Littler Explains 'Cry Baby' Remark Directed at Van Veen

Luke Littler has shed light on the incident that led him to label Gian van Veen a 'cry baby' following their intense Premier League Darts match in Manchester. According to Littler, Van Veen essentially conceded at the end of the match, prompting Littler's remarks. Van Veen had emerged victorious in a contentious match earlier in April, during which Littler became agitated after Van Veen turned towards him while throwing match darts in the deciding leg. Van Veen stated that Littler was 'out of order' for celebrating towards the crowd, which caused him to stare at Littler. However, Littler has now shared his side of the story ahead of the Premier League Darts in Rotterdam. Littler claimed that as he walked back, he was still facing the crowd, and Van Veen had put his darts down, which he believed was disrespectful. Littler expressed that he called Van Veen a 'cry baby' because there was no need for Van Veen's actions. When Van Veen won, Littler congratulated him and picked up his darts. Littler also stated that there was no need for Van Veen to stare at him when he had not thrown his three darts. He added that from his perspective, he was focused on the TV and thought Van Veen would not miss his shot. Littler mentioned that he did a fist bump towards his girlfriend and her dad, which is when the fans started screaming. However, Van Veen looked back and stared at him, which Littler believed was unnecessary. Littler recently produced his worst televised average in the Premier League Darts, which he attributed to a lack of practice and not wanting to be there. Van Veen also lost his first match, and the pair did not speak to each other. Littler believes that other incidents in darts have been more heated than his exchange with Van Veen, citing arguments between Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney. He thinks that the rivalry between him and Van Veen will draw more viewers and create a more exciting competition.