Gian van Veen has made it clear that he does not feel the need to sit down with Luke Littler to smooth over the tension that flared during Night Nine of the Premier League in Manchester. The incident in question dates back to an early‑April clash that ended controversially, when Littler reacted angrily after van Veen turned toward him while throwing match darts in a decisive leg. Van Veen told Sky Sports that Littler’s celebration toward the crowd was "out of order" and that it prompted him to stare back, a moment that was followed by Littler missing his own match darts at double and ultimately losing the match.
Ahead of this week’s Premier League Darts event in Rotterdam, Littler finally offered his side of the story during a live Sky Sports broadcast at 6 p.m. He claimed his celebratory gesture was aimed at his girlfriend and his father, not at the audience, and he also labelled van Veen a "cry baby" for putting his darts down before the leg was finished.
Littler added that there was "no need" for van Veen to stare at him while he still had three darts to throw. Despite hearing Littler’s explanation, van Veen’s stance has not shifted, although he says there are no lingering hard feelings. "It’s a difficult one. For me, I don’t really need a conversation.
He said his piece the other day and I still hold the same view I had two weeks ago when it all happened," van Veen explained. He went on to say, "If he wants to bury the hatchet, fine. I have no hard feelings toward him and I don’t know how it is the other way around, but we’ll see how it goes. He has his opinion and he’s entitled to it.
I have mine. I’ve watched the videos and I still stand by my opinion. It is what it is and we just have to move forward." Van Veen has been a focal point of darting drama over the past few weeks. While he enjoys the occasional aggression that adds spice to the sport, he prefers to remain an observer rather than a direct participant in such confrontations.
"I enjoy it, but only if I’m not involved. I think that’s best for me," he said.
He also noted that a little needle‑sharp tension can be healthy for darts, but he would rather stay out of the thick of it. Looking ahead, van Veen expressed excitement about the upcoming match against Littler, anticipating that his opponent will come out even more fired up, possibly averaging 110‑112. "I’m especially looking forward to playing him next, hopefully tomorrow. We can be friends in the future – there are no hard feelings on my side.
It all happened in the heat of the moment and we each have our opinions, that’s how it goes," he added. Michael van Gerwen weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that the media has blown the incident out of proportion. The Dutch star, known as the "Green Machine," argued that if the spat were truly significant, he and Phil Taylor would have been featured in the press every week after their own heated exchanges.
"There have been a million incidents. People love to make a story out of it, but this is absolutely nothing.
Nothing really happened. Otherwise I’d be in the papers with Phil Taylor every week," van Gerwen said. The debate was also a topic on the "Love The Darts" podcast, where hosts Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discussed the fallout.
Murphy remarked, "The question is whether we can park it and move on. It spilled over into the next week, and the real issue is whether Littler can put it behind him and focus on what he does best – winning darts matches." Bridge added that Littler’s villainous persona, reminiscent of a WWE character, isn’t a problem for the sport, and that van Veen is a mild‑mannered player whose reaction may have amplified the situation.
He noted that Littler’s recent average of 83.0 against Stephen Bunting in Brighton suggested the incident could be affecting his performance. Littler, meanwhile, prepared for his Rotterdam appearance by expecting a chilly reception from Dutch fans. In an interview with Online Darts, he said, "I expect the worst when I go to Liverpool, Leeds, or Rotterdam.
Even in Brighton, when the crowd booed me, I just shrugged it off. In Rotterdam I’ll play my game and see what happens.
I’ll probably get booed, but I’ll keep improving and aim for more points and nightly wins." Van Veen, now in his debut Premier League season, is no stranger to the Rotterdam Ahoy arena, having attended the inaugural Premier League night there in 2016 and witnessed Raymond van Barneveld’s iconic walk‑on. He reflected, "As a kid, I was in the crowd when Raymond walked on.
Now, as Dutch No 1 and world No 3, to stand on that stage is a dream come true. I hoped not to meet Michael in the quarters so I could enjoy it solo, but that didn’t happen.
Still, I’m thrilled to be on that stage and will probably chat with Michael about how it feels, so I can be a bit prepared." The upcoming Premier League night in Rotterdam promises more high‑stakes action. Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen will host Luke Humphries on his first home‑soil night, while Michael van Gerwen faces Jonny Clayton. Luke Littler will meet Gerwyn Price in a crucial top‑table clash, and Stephen Bunting will take on Josh Rock in a bid to secure a Play‑Off spot.
Points are awarded each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—to build the league table, with the top four advancing to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on 28 May. Fans can follow the drama on Sky Sports, stream the Premier League Darts on NOW, and stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and analysis. The BetMGM Premier League continues its cross‑channel journey, bringing Dutch fans and international viewers together for another thrilling chapter of darts competition.