Van Veen says truce unlikely with Littler after darts match anger in Manchester

After their Premier League Darts match in Manchester on Thursday, Gian van Veen said a truce with Luke Littler is unlikely. This follows an argument after the game.
By Newsroom | Sports, Darts |

Confrontation Erupts After Premier League Darts Encounter

The aftermath of a tense Premier League Darts match in Manchester has seen a public spat emerge between Gian van Veen and Luke Littler. Van Veen, following his victory over Littler in a deciding leg, accused the younger player of being "out of order" and "not a good loser." The friction apparently stemmed from Littler's reaction to Van Veen missing a match dart.

I don't care what Littler thinks of me, says Van Veen - 1

Van Veen alleged Littler celebrated his missed attempt at double 15, calling the gesture and a subsequent "crying gesture" towards the crowd "not normal." He further stated that Littler's conduct was unacceptable. Littler, in turn, responded on social media, posting laughing emojis over Van Veen's comments, which Van Veen dismissed.

I don't care what Littler thinks of me, says Van Veen - 2

Estrangement Expected to Linger

Van Veen has made it clear that any notion of immediate reconciliation is unlikely, suggesting relations will not be "very friendly" for some time. He expressed little concern about Littler's opinion of him, despite acknowledging Littler's talent and contributions to the sport. The Dutchman noted he had not been in contact with Littler since the incident.

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I don't care what Littler thinks of me, says Van Veen - 3

A Match Marked by More Than Darts

The Premier League Darts night in Manchester was characterized by this exchange, overshadowing Van Veen's win. Van Veen secured the victory in a last-leg decider, avenging a prior defeat to Littler in the World Championship final. Littler had initially taken a lead but faltered, missing opportunities to close out the match.

I don't care what Littler thinks of me, says Van Veen - 4

Littler's actions, including celebrating a missed dart and gesturing at his opponent, were central to Van Veen's post-match remarks. Van Veen views Littler's behavior as unsportsmanlike, particularly given his own miss. The interaction was brief but charged, with a handshake exchanged after the match.

Looking Ahead

Van Veen is scheduled to compete again on Sunday. Littler, a significant figure in the darts world, has yet to offer a direct rebuttal beyond his social media posts. The broader darts community has observed the unfolding situation, with fan reactions on social media reportedly showing support for Van Veen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Van Veen say a truce is unlikely with Littler after the darts match in Manchester on Thursday?
Van Veen said a truce is unlikely with Littler after accusing him of bad sportsmanship. He said Littler celebrated his missed dart and made a 'crying gesture' to the crowd, which Van Veen felt was 'out of order'.
Q: What happened between Van Veen and Littler after their Premier League Darts match in Manchester on Thursday?
After Van Veen beat Littler in a close match, Van Veen said Littler acted badly. He said Littler celebrated his missed dart. Littler responded on social media with laughing emojis.
Q: What did Van Veen say about Littler's behavior after their darts match on Thursday?
Van Veen said Littler's actions, like celebrating his missed dart and making a 'crying gesture,' were 'not normal' and 'out of order'. He felt it was unsportsmanlike, especially after Van Veen missed his own match dart.
Q: Will Van Veen and Littler be friendly after their argument in Manchester on Thursday?
Van Veen does not think they will be friendly for some time. He said relations will not be 'very friendly' soon. He does not seem worried about what Littler thinks of him.
Q: What was the result of the darts match between Van Veen and Littler in Manchester on Thursday?
Van Veen won the match against Littler in the last leg. This was a win for Van Veen after losing to Littler in the World Championship final before.