‘A gift from God’ – Darts star tells fans jeering Luke Littler to ‘back off’

Wait 5 sec.

Gary Anderson has warned darts fans Luke Littler could boycott international events over crowd abuse.The reigning world champion was once again subjected to boos and jeers at the World Series of Darts Finals earlier this month.Despite his greatness, Littler has emerged as a divisive figure in dartsGettyLittler was on the receiving end of a hostile atmosphere during each of his matches at the event in Amsterdam.His second round match against Nathan Aspinall even had to be paused so the referee could issue a warning to the crowd.‘The Nuke’ was ultimately beaten in the quarter-finals of the tournament by Jonny Clayton, ending his quest to win every PDC premier event in a single year.He has since threatened to boycott events in the Netherlands over the crowd’s behaviour.Littler has already adopted a similar approach in Germany, opting not to play in the country outside of PDC majors.Anderson backs LittlerAnderson believes the teenager has every right to take such a stance and has warned he could soon choose only to play in the UK.Speaking to Online Darts, the two-time world champion explained: “The one thing I can say, he’s been getting a bit of dog’s abuse at tournaments. It’s vile. It is bad.“Now one thing people have got to realise, this young lad, what is he now? 19? He’s got a gift from God.“This boy is phenomenal and he’s turning up to tournaments and getting treated like that.“It could be another 50 years before they see a youngster turn up and play darts like this kid.Anderson has warned fans Littler could snub events outside of the UK over the hostility of crowds overseasGetty“This is something special to witness, to tell their kids, to tell their grandkids about this young lad.“How he came on the circuit and destroyed everyone, which he is doing. I think it’s bad.“Luke’s clever. He’s got a lot of things going on and if it got to a stage where he goes, ‘that’s it, I’m finished with darts,’ that’s not going to make any difference.“He’s going to have a big income coming in from what else he is doing.”Littler is already a two-time world champion despite not turning 20 for another four months.His successful World Matchplay title defence in July marked his 14 PDC major singles title in less than four years as a professional.Littler was subjected to boos and jeers once again at the World Series of Darts FinalsShutterstock EditorialIn that time, the world No.1 has accumulated over £4.8million in prize money.Littler warning to fansAnderson continued: “So he will not miss the darts one little bit. I think people giving grief need to back off because this kid is something special.“Honestly Littler, the boy is amazing. It’s a pleasure to see. I don’t know why he’s getting grief.“Some say he’s cocky, but I think he’s trying to give it back to the ones who give him the grief on stage.“Honestly, you are not going to see this every couple of years, a player like this coming along.“He’s a young lad. A very, very special talent. The only people missing out will be the crowd because they are not going to see him on stage playing. He will stick to playing in Britain and that’s it.Anderson has dubbed Littler’s ability on the oche a ‘gift from God’Getty“They are the ones that are going to miss out on witnessing something special.”When does Littler play next?The Flying Scotsman’s comments came ahead of the start of the World Grand Prix.Littler is the defending champion at the ‘double in, double out’ event in Leicester this week.He will begin his defence against Luke Woodhouse on the opening night on Monday.The winner of their match is set to face Aspinall in the second round.Meanwhile, Anderson kicks off his campaign against Damon Heta on Tuesday.