Former darts champion claims James Wade should be investigated over 'disgusting' Luke Humphries incident

A former darts champion has suggested that James Wade could be investigated by the PDC after an incident involving Luke Humphries at the 2025 UK Open.

Wade defeated Humphries on his way to the final of the competition in Minehead last week, where he eventually lost 11-2 to Luke Littler.

'The Machine' was in good form prior to that, however, with an 11-2 win over Josh Rock in the semi-finals and a deciding leg 10-9 success over world number one Humphries in the last eight.

But 'Cool Hand Luke' and Wade didn't see eye-to-eye during the match, and failed to produce the customary handshake that occurs before every deciding leg.

After the match, Humphries replied to a fan on Twitter in a now-deleted post: "I wasn't going to give someone who didn't deserve my respect after what he was doing through a game a hug and be all happy about it, that's just my honesty."

Prior to the match beginning, Wade embraced Humphries before then proceeding to bizarrely lick his neck.

Now, former Players Championship Finals champion Paul 'The Asset' Nicholson has suggested that the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) could investigate Wade over the incident.

He told Sporting Life: "Just two days after earning all that praise for bringing Beau Greaves back on stage, Humphries found himself being harshly criticised by some fans on social media for a frosty handshake and a small shoulder barge.

"It is ridiculous for anyone to call Humphries a 'bad loser' and his track record of graciousness speaks for itself."

Nicholson continued: "Wade licking Humphries' neck before the match began may have been an issue.

"I'm with Luke on this one. I think sometimes as a competitor, you have to draw a line and say, 'If you are going to play games and do things within a competitive environment that cross the line, then don't expect respect in return'.

"The photograph that surfaced of James sticking his tongue out and touched Luke's neck was disgusting, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was investigated.

"Wade isn't exactly the most gracious in defeat anyway ... We've got to give him credit for what he's done in the sport for over 20 years, but he's not an angel.

"Let's instead focus on what an incredible role model Luke Humphries is and a fantastic ambassador for our sport."