Luke Littler showcased his World Darts Championship silverware on the Old Trafford turf during Saturday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Tottenham, which ended in a 2-0 triumph for the hosts.
The teenage darts star brought his trophy onto the pitch at half-time, though the moment took an unexpected turn when Tottenham supporters began singing Michael van Gerwen’s name from the away section.
With their side trailing 1-0 at the interval, Spurs fans sought to needle the young champion by invoking his Dutch rival’s name.
Littler wasted no time in responding, directing attention to his trophy whilst holding up two fingers towards the visiting supporters. The exchange was not shown on TNT Sports’ broadcast.
His reaction is believed to be in reference to the two World Championships he’s won throughout his career so far.
The commanding darts player has grown accustomed to receiving stick from crowds following his remarkable achievements in the sport.
During his World Championship campaign at Alexandra Palace, the youngster faced hostile receptions that initially seemed to unsettle him, though his performances remained unaffected.
Luke Littler showcased his World Darts Championship silverware on the Old Trafford turf during Saturday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Tottenham, which ended in a 2-0 triumph for the hosts
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PA
“I’m not bothered [by the booing],” Littler stated after one such incident.
“Really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize so thanks for booing me. No-one wanted me to win but I proved them wrong yet again.”
Following his victory over Rob Cross, he added: “They want the underdogs to win, they want the favourites to go out. I just had to get it out of the way and get my job done.”
Five things to know about Luke Littler | PA
The two-time world champion also found himself trading barbs with Newcastle supporters just days earlier at the Premier League Darts opener on Thursday evening.
After suffering a 6-4 defeat to Gian van Veen, Littler took fewer than ten minutes to fire back at the Geordie crowd with a social media post.
The Nuke appeared to reference Newcastle’s Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Manchester City the previous night, sharing an image of himself watching the match on a projector screen.
His Instagram caption read: “Newcastle, you were brilliant, On to next week. PS 3-1.”
The avid Manchester United supporter appeared to savour his moment in the spotlight at the Theatre of Dreams, though the afternoon’s result ultimately proved even more satisfying for the young champion.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring Man Utd’s second goal in their 2-0 Premier League win over Tottenham | PA
Michael Carrick’s side secured all three points thanks to strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, with the victory made considerably easier after Cristian Romero was sent off during the opening period.
The Argentine defender’s dismissal left Tottenham with ten men for the majority of the contest, and the visitors were already behind when Littler took to the pitch for his half-time trophy parade.
For the teenage sensation, it proved a doubly memorable afternoon in Manchester.
Tottenham, meanwhile, remain stuck in a rut after yet another dismal day at the office.
