PDC 'make decision' on James Wade after 'walking off stage' following Luke Littler defeat as rule clarified

The PDC have come to a decision over James Wade after he left the stage early following his World Matchplay final defeat to Luke Littler.

Wade lost 18-13 to Littler in a Winter Gardens classic, having raced into a 5-0 lead.

Both players averaged over 100, but the reigning world champion's incredible scoring power - which included a total of 17 180s - ultimately proved to be the difference.

Littler who lifted the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time, revealed that the 2007 Matchplay champion had congratulated him on his victory after the match ended.

Wade released a statement on Twitter following the final, writing that he had 'a brilliant week of highs' and added: "Ultimately I'm so happy I made it to the finals last night. A big congratulations to Luke on the win."

The 42-year-old was questioned on social media after he left the stage before Littler received his trophy.

Wade left the stage before Littler was given his trophy (Image: PDC/Sky Sports)

As a result, Wade also was not interviewed by Sky Sports as the event's runner-up.

However, according to The Sun, it is unlikely that he will receive any sort of sanction from the PDC.

All PDC professionals are registered as self-employed contractors, not employees of the PDC.

They do sign a PDC Players Contract, which states that players must perform several media obligations at each event.

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA)'s rulebook states that no player can 'abuse, ignore or refuse reasonable requests from a broadcaster, the Promoter or the media at any darts event'.

However, while the champion is obliged to speak to the media after a final, it is not an official requirement for the runner-up.

Is James Wade playing this week?

Darts has returned on Tuesday with the staging of Players Championship 22 in Germany.

Both Wade and Littler, however, have opted out of the event, with Littler having not played any of the last 13 PC tournaments due to his schedule.

Speaking after the Matchplay final, Littler - who has been vocal about his treatment by fans in Germany - was asked whether he was competing.

He replied: "Is it [in Germany]? No, no, no. Maybe if it was in Wigan [I'd play]!"

Matchplay semi-finalists Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock are also not present in Germany, with Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross absent.

Andrew Gilding, who lost to Littler in a thrilling quarter-final in Blackpool, has made the trip but lost in the first round to Keane Barry, with Dave Chisnall, Ross Smith and Danny Noppert the only three members of the top 16 in competition.