Why darts fans are booing Luke Littler as Gary Anderson warns crowd after boycott saga

Gary Anderson has sent a warning to the people booing Luke Littler ahead of the World Grand Prix.

Littler begins the defence of his World Grand Prix title on Monday night (September 28) against Luke Woodhouse, but the build-up to the tournament has centred around the hostile treatment he received at the World Series of Darts.

The 19-year-old was booed by spectators in most of his matches in Amsterdam, and during his showdown against Nathan Aspinall, referee Charlie Corstorphine even had to pause the match to warn the crowd about whistling.

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Gary Anderson blasts crowd behaviour towards Luke Littler after World Series of Darts

Littler ended up exiting the World Series of Darts in the quarter-finals against Jonny Clayton, and immediately after the defeat, he threatened to boycott future events in the Netherlands following his negative treatment from the crowd.

'The Nuke' had previously initiated a boycott of events in Germany - including the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich - for similar issues with crowds, and he's since followed through with the same stance on events in the Netherlands.

He withdrew from two Players Championship events in Den Bosch last week and then cancelled his registration for the Dutch Darts Championship, which takes place in Maastricht from 16 to 18 October.

Gary Anderson thinks the reception he received from the Netherlands crowds was "vile", warning darts fans that they need to enjoy his "phenomenal" talent while he's still playing.

"The one thing I can say, he’s been getting a bit of dog’s abuse at tournaments. It’s vile. It is bad," the two-time World Championship winner told Online Darts.

“Now one thing people have got to realise: this young lad, what is he now? 19? He’s got a gift from God.

“This boy is phenomenal. And he’s turning up to tournaments and getting treated like that.

“It could be another 50 years before they see a youngster turn up and play darts like this kid.

“This is something special to witness – (something) to tell their kids, to tell their grandkids about this young lad."

It's been another incredible year so far for Littler, who claimed every TV major before losing at the World Series to strengthen his position at the top of the PDC Order of Merit.

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Why are people booing Luke Littler?

Continuing his rant at those who boo Littler, Anderson can't seem to understand why he receives that treatment and believes he will stick to playing in UK tournaments if the negative reception abroad persists.

"Honestly Littler, the boy is amazing. It’s a pleasure to see. I don’t know why he’s getting grief," the 55-year-old added.

“Some say he’s cocky. But I think he’s trying to give it back to the ones who give him the grief on stage.

“He’s a young lad. A very, very special talent. The only people missing out will be the crowd. Because they are not going to see him on stage playing. He will stick to playing in Britain, and that’s it."

Unfortunately, two controversial incidents are the reason Littler is booed by the crowd. The first happened during his World Championship clash with Rob Cross in December 2025, when he angered fans with his reaction to the crowd after they wanted his underdog opponent to win.

"I'm not bothered [by the booing]. Really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets, and you pay for my prize money, so thanks for booing me," an angry Littler said to the jeering crowd after wrapping up a 4-2 victory.

"No one wanted me to win, but I proved them wrong yet again."

That arrogance changed many people's perceptions of the generational talent, who did himself no favours in April 2026 when he was involved in a spat with Gian van Veen during a Premier League clash in Manchester.

An exciting contest between two of the world's best hung in the balance at 5-5 when Littler celebrated Van Veen missing a match-winning double. The action caused the usually mild-mannered Van Veen to stare disapprovingly at his opponent.

Then, after failing to wrap up the match himself, the teenager performed a 'cry baby' gesture to the crowd once the Dutchman stepped up to seal a 6-5 victory, with Van Veen labelling Littler a "bad loser" in his post-match interview.

Littler then made matters worse for himself by childishly sharing an image of Van Veen's comments on his Instagram Story, accompanied by three laughing emojis. Unfortunately, the crowd - especially those in the Netherlands - haven't forgotten this moment.