ASPINALL RESPONDS TO ‘FANBOY’ ACCUSATION

By Aaron Nijjar  

NATHAN ASPINALL admits he has been too nice with Luke Littler on stage following ‘fanboy’ accusations directed at Premier League players.  

The comments were made by former UK Open finalist Vincent van der Voort, who insists there are too many ‘fanboys’ of ‘The Nuke’ on the PDC tour.  

Van der Voort labelled Stephen Bunting and ‘The Asp’ as being too nice to the 2025 World champion on the oche. 

‘The Dutch Destroyer’ said on the Darts Draait Door podcast: “Every little thing, they’re giving him fist bumps or smiles.” 

He added: “Some players just show up and act like the perfect son-in-law, but that doesn’t bring much excitement. 

“There are too many Littler fanboys right now.” 

Two-time major winner Aspinall was asked about those comments on talkSPORT and admitted there were times he had been too nice. 

World No. 8 Aspinall said: “Apparently so. But, to be fair, they were right at the World Championship. I was a bit too respectful to him. I’ve got to remember that I’m there to win for myself. 

“I’ve known Luke since he was 11 or 12. I’m just generally happy for what he’s achieved in the game. He’s a really nice kid, but I’ve just got to start beating him. 

“I’ve said it many times. I don’t think I could do what he’s had to go through and I’m quite mentally strong.  

“At 17, 18 with all the media commitments and going on all these shows. The difference between dart players and footballers is that we don’t get media trained.  

“He’s been thrown into the deep end, going on A League of their Own and all these different shows. He does get a lot of respect and he deserves it.” 

Former UK Open champion Aspinall revealed how Littler has changed over the last 12 to 18 months, and since he turned 18 and was legally allowed to drink. 

He said: “He’s coming out of his shell a bit as well now with the boys.  

“He used to play his darts and go back to his room and play on his PlayStation or whatever.  

“He’s now actually coming down to the hotel bar and playing cards with us and stuff like that. 

“He’s definitely grown up in the last 12 months. But I think he’s kind of had to really because of everything that’s been thrown at him. 

“He’ll have a couple of Dark Fruits. He’s a bit of a lightweight, but he’s only 18. He’ll have like four pints and that’s him done.” 

Aspinall currently sits sixth in the Premier League but has been in stellar form as of late winning the European Darts Trophy last month.  

The Stockport ace faces Stephen Bunting tonight (Thursday) on Night Nine in Berlin and is only two points off the play-off spots. 

Image by Taylor Lanning.