HUMPHRIES HITS BACK AT SHOCK CRITICISM

LUKE HUMPHRIES admits he was left stung by claims he “gives in” to Luke Littler. 

The World No.2 hit back after influencer and pundit Charlie Murphy questioned his confidence on an OLBG podcast. 

He stated: “I think he might have lost a little bit of confidence.

“He’s never been full of aura, but he doesn’t seem to have that stage aura or confidence that he used to have when he was winning.

“I am worried about him. Not that he is going to do a Peter Wright and drop down the rankings. I just think it is like he is giving in to Luke Littler.

“Now that gap is just going to get bigger and bigger. I would probably say he is not the second best player in the world right now.”

Class act Humphries, 31, firmly rejected that viewpoint and pointed to his recent record against the teenage sensation. 

He said: “There was stuff about me having no aura, I don’t really care about having aura. 

“I’m not up there to have aura, I’m up there to win darts matches, to win money, to set my family up. 

“I don’t need to be up there having this… I mean, what even is aura? It’s a made-up word. It’s not something anybody really has, it’s fake. 

“I found out it was Charlie Murphy, and that was quite disappointing because I’ve always got on really well with him. 

“It’s not that words hurt you, it’s more the disrespect. That was the disappointing part for me, because it’s someone I’ve gotten on with really well for many years. 

“I don’t really care if people say I’m not the second-best player in the world anymore, that’s fine. 

“It was more the way he said I give in to Luke Littler. I never give in to Luke. He’s just a bloody good dart player. 

“It’s not like players give in to him, he’s just really good and really hard to beat. 

“In the last three games I’ve played him, they’ve all gone to a last-leg or last-set decider and I’ve pushed him all the way. 

“I’m one of the only players really doing that. Gerwyn Price is doing it as well but hasn’t quite got over the line, I have.” 

Humphries admitted he may have been better off ignoring the comments but says the nature of elite sport makes that easier said than done. 

He continued: “A lot of people will see it and just take it in, but when you’re in this sport, you get it all the time and it can annoy you, it really does. 

“Most of the people commenting wouldn’t like it themselves. It’s something I probably could have ignored, but sometimes you just react, you have a little fuse and can’t help it. 

“It wasn’t really about being called number two, it was about people saying I give in or don’t try. 

“I’m trying my best out there, really trying to push him. Not many players are actually pushing him, and I am, so I’m just doing my best.” 

PDPA chairman Alan Warriner-Little also commented on the wider issue of online criticism. 

He said on X: “Influencers ‘My Arse’ no such thing, it’s a self generated role and means sweet FA. 

“As our sport gets bigger we will get more people jumping on the wagon who think they are darts gurus .. Happening to a lot of players just for their click bait .. #SadSacks” 

Former world champion Gary Anderson slammed the rise of influencers in the game earlier this year. 

He said: “I’m a darts player, I’m not here to sit and talk and tell stories. And when I do, I usually get into trouble. 

“I don’t do YouTube, but I’m watching. We’ve got, what do you call them? Influencers? How to play darts. 

“I’ve never seen the bloke in my life, I’ve watched him play darts, he’s absolutely rank at it. So why watch him? 

“Kids need to learn they can go buy a set of darts that cost you £10, £20, £40, £50. Instead of spending hundreds of pounds on darts and play the game. Influencers? What a load of b*****cks. Absolutely t*****s. 

“It’s a load of rubbish. For young kids, it ain’t good. Just let them play darts and enjoy. Buy a £20 set of darts and go and enjoy your game of darts. End of. Easy.”

Murphy has subsequently apologised on YouTube to Humphries for his comments. 

He said: “In this video, I want to address the comments I made recently about Luke Humphries.

“I understand how what I said came across and why it caused frustration. That was never my intention, but I take full responsibility and I know I need to be more careful with what I say going forward.

“This video is my genuine apology and a chance to show the respect that’s deserved.

“To back that up, I also showcase my collection of Luke Humphries darts and have a few throws with them.

“Nothing but respect for one of the best in the game.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.