LITTLER WARNED OVER WWE-STYLE STAGE APPROACH

LUKE LITTLER has been told his WWE-style approach on stage could draw more boos as concerns grow the situation may “spiral out of control”.

World No.1 Littler has faced increasing heckling since his clash with Gian van Veen during week nine of the Premier League in Manchester. 

The Warrington ace was again met with jeers in Brighton this week, slumping to a 6-4 defeat to Stephen Bunting while posting a record low TV average of 83.94.  

Pundit Michael Bridge suggested Littler’s on-stage persona may be contributing to the reaction, while stressing it comes with the territory of being a top player. 

He told the Love the Darts Podcast: “I just, it’s difficult because obviously he likes the WWE pantomime style in terms of it. 

“I don’t think there’s any problem with Needle whatsoever. I think, you know, Gian is a very nice, mild-mannered guy, and I think that probably didn’t help in terms of Luke.  

“I’d say 99.9% of those people booing him, if they see him outside, will want a picture and will want that signed. It’s just, it did affect him. 

“There’s no doubt about it. You look at that average, and he couldn’t wait to get out of there. That’s it. 

“And that would probably be my concern going forward, how much it’s going to happen and how much it could affect him. 

“I think he just needs to go home, and I think he has done that. 

“He’s a real family man, real family lad. The people he’s close with, he’s incredibly close with. It’s just, you know, it’s difficult because with darts, it’s never-ending — exhibition, darts, exhibition, darts. You don’t give yourself time to breathe. 

“But unfortunately, you are in the spotlight now. You are the number one. You’re beyond a top dart player. 

“You’re a top sports person. You’re going to be invited to the Brits and this and that. You are number one. 

“But remember, you’re there for a reason, because you’ve been incredibly good at darts and you’ve been incredibly good for the sport. And I just hope he doesn’t throw it away and it going too far. 

“I just don’t want it to spiral out of control, basically.” 

Littler returns to action this Thursday and will take on Gerwyn price in Rotterdam. 

The Nuke currently sits second in the table after three nightly wins, trailing Jonny Clayton by three points.

Image by Taylor Lanning.