A heated row has erupted on the oche between two of darts’ rising stars, Luke Littler and Gian van Veen—a rivalry that could dominate the sport for years to come.
What began as a tense in-match moment has since escalated into a full-blown war of words in the media.
So, what actually happened?
The flashpoint came earlier this month in Manchester during Night Nine of the Premier League Darts. Van Veen edged Littler 6–5 in a dramatic quarter-final, but the result was overshadowed by controversy.
After Littler missed a match dart, Van Veen failed to take out double 15 and turned away from the board in frustration. At that moment, he appeared to notice Littler reacting—seemingly pleased at the miss. Words were muttered, tensions rose, and Littler responded with visible irritation.
The drama didn’t end there. Littler, still engaging with the crowd, missed another match dart, allowing Van Veen to return and seal victory on double six. Their post-match handshake was tense and uncomfortable, reflecting the bad blood between them.
A witness account
Speaking on Sky Sports, Wayne Mardle offered insight into the incident. He suggested Littler broke an unwritten rule by reacting to his opponent’s miss.
According to Mardle, Littler appeared to acknowledge Van Veen’s error in a way that could be seen as mocking, prompting Van Veen to turn and question him. The exchange escalated from there, with both players clearly rattled.
Van Veen’s side
Van Veen didn’t hide his frustration afterward.
From his perspective, Littler’s reaction crossed a line. He believed his opponent was openly celebrating a crucial miss, which he described as disrespectful. While clearly annoyed, Van Veen also struck a balanced tone—praising Littler’s impact on the sport and acknowledging that different perspectives exist.
Littler hits back
Littler, however, insists the situation has been misunderstood.
He claims cameras missed a key moment: Van Veen placing his darts down before the leg was over, something Littler interpreted as a psychological tactic. In response, Littler admitted calling him a “cry baby,” arguing that the move itself was unsporting.
He also denied celebrating Van Veen’s miss, saying his gestures were directed toward his girlfriend and her father in the crowd—not his opponent.
Despite the tension, Littler suggested the situation could still be resolved, noting the two haven’t spoken since but likely will.
No rush to make peace
Van Veen, though, isn’t particularly interested in clearing the air.
He has stood firm on his interpretation of events, saying he’s reviewed the footage and remains convinced he was in the right. While open to moving on, he made it clear he doesn’t feel the need for a sit-down conversation.
What happens next?
The rivalry could reignite almost immediately, with the Premier League Darts heading to Rotterdam on April 16.
If both players win their opening matches—Littler against Gerwyn Price and Van Veen versus Luke Humphries—another fiery chapter could be just around the corner.
