Littler Explains 'Cry Baby' Remark Directed at Van Veen

Luke Littler has shed light on the reason behind his 'cry baby' comment aimed at Gian van Veen following their intense Premier League Darts match in Manchester. According to Littler, Van Veen essentially conceded at the end of the match, prompting the remark. The controversy began when Van Veen won a contentious match earlier in April, during which Littler became upset after Van Veen turned towards him while throwing match darts in the deciding leg. Van Veen had stated that Littler was 'out of order' for celebrating towards the crowd, which led him to stare at Littler. However, Littler has now shared his side of the story ahead of the Premier League Darts in Rotterdam. He revealed that as he walked back, Van Veen had already put his darts down, which Littler found disrespectful. Littler believes Van Veen was the one not doing his job and being respectful, and that there was no need for him to put his darts down or stare at him. Littler also mentioned that when Van Veen won, he congratulated him and said 'well done, you got the win.' Littler expressed that there was no need for Van Veen to stare at him when he still had not thrown his three darts. He added that he was focused on the TV, thinking that Van Veen would not miss, given his skill in hitting the bullseye. Littler stated that he did a fist bump towards his girlfriend and her dad, which is when the fans started screaming. He believes that Van Veen should have stepped back, looked at the floor, and then thrown his last dart instead of staring at him. Littler recently produced his worst televised average in Brighton, which he attributed to a lack of practice and not wanting to be there. He also mentioned that Van Veen lost his first match, and they did not speak to each other, practicing in different rooms. Littler thinks that other incidents in darts have been more heated than his exchange with Van Veen, citing arguments between Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney. He believes that the rivalry between him and Van Veen will draw more viewers and create a more exciting competition.