Gian van Veen has responded to Luke Littler’s Instagram post after calling the world champion a ‘bad loser’ following their tense Premier League Darts clash
Gian van Veen admitted his next encounter with Luke Littler might not be “very friendly” after their heated exchange during the Premier League Darts in Manchester on Thursday.
The Dutchman got his revenge for his World Championship final loss to Littler in the quarter-finals at the AO Arena, prevailing in a final-leg thriller.
Van Veen squandered a match dart, which prompted Littler to celebrate before the crowd, before the two-time world champion gestured toward his rival upon returning to the oche and failed to close out the match himself.
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His 23-year-old opponent then clinched a 6-5 triumph, but not before Littler performed a cry baby gesture and offered a brief handshake as he exited the stage.
Van Veen, who suffered his fourth nightly final loss of the campaign to Josh Rock, declared after his opening victory that Littler was a “bad loser” and that his behaviour on the oche was “out of order”.
On Thursday evening, 19-year-old Littler posted an image of Van Veen’s remarks on his Instagram Stories, adding three laughing emojis beneath.
Speaking to Swedish streaming service Viaplay about the incident, Van Veen said: “No, we haven’t spoken.
“He hasn’t approached me either. I saw his reaction on social media. He thought it was funny.
“Well, I don’t think things will be very friendly between us anytime soon.
“I’m here for myself. He’s a fantastic darter, the world number one, so what he does for the sport is great, but I care little about what he thinks of me.”
The duo won’t be competing against each other in the European Tour event taking place in Munich this weekend as Littler has not registered.
World number three Van Veen is set to return to action during Sunday’s second round, facing either William O’Connor or Sebastian Bialecki.