Luke Littler was met with a chorus of boos as he made his entrance for the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship final with Gian van Veen on Saturday evening.
Littler, 18, is aiming to go back-to-back at the Ally Pally, but the crowd that was firmly behind him 12 months ago greeted him with boos for the 2026 final. Littler told the crowd he’s “not bothered” after his win over Rob Cross, earning more jeers.
And fans joked on social media he was being “booed out of the building” by those in attendance. “That was very loud, Littler is being out of the building,” one fan shared. While a second said: “Luke Littler still receiving boos from fans as he enters the stage…”
“The crowd is already booing Littler. Literal clowns,” a third fumed. And another added: “He’s actually a great heel. Who doesn’t like him!”
However, the boos were quickly drowned out when Pitbull’s hit ‘Greenlight’ hit as fans sang along to his walk-on music.
And there were more cheers when Littler nailed his trusty D10 to take his first leg.
Littler has been hoping to get fans back on side and he admitted after beating Krzysztof Ratajsk: “Obviously, it is a new year, first day of the year. A few boos here and there.
“But as soon as I got on stage, the crowd was absolutely unbelievable. Leading up to it, family and friends were just like, whatever happens, happens.
“As soon as I got on stage, I clapped everyone just so they knew, I want them on my side again.
“They were on my side tonight and I got the job done. So hopefully, it is the same again tomorrow.
“I am growing as a player mentally. I know how to deal with it and I think the Rob Cross game definitely tested me.
“But yeah, I got through it. In future games, I know how to deal with it and get past it.”