Stephen Bunting can look forward to a warm reception when he steps onto the stage in front of his home crowd in Liverpool on Thursday night, although the atmosphere may not be as friendly for everyone else. The 23‑year‑old back‑to‑back world champion Luke Littler has been on the receiving end of boos in recent weeks after a public fallout with Dutchman Gian van Veen in Manchester.
Even without that incident, the Merseyside audience might already have a chip on their shoulder toward the Manchester United supporter, who has not hesitated to highlight Liverpool’s struggles this season on his social media platforms. Bunting himself acknowledges that there is little a player can do to control how the spectators behave. "It’s not my place to dictate how the crowd reacts," he told reporters when asked about the booing. "When I’m on the oche I try to do everything I can to play my best, and most of the time the fans respond positively.
There was one moment after the World Championship when I said something I probably shouldn’t have, and I got a bit of a backlash – perhaps a little harsh – but fans are free to react however they wish. We can’t police their opinions." He went on to note that many of the negative comments come from people behind keyboards, far removed from the venue. "If someone is physically present and chooses to boo, that’s entirely their decision. All we can do is stay focused on our own game and stay out of other people’s business," Bunting added.
The Englishman is also keen to soak up the energy of a supportive crowd when he meets Premier League leader Jonny Clayton in the quarter‑finals. "Playing in front of your own fans is always emotional," he said.
"I’ll probably take a few extra seconds on my walk‑on to breathe and settle down. I hope I don’t get too choked up – I’ve already had a very emotional day visiting Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. If I win, I might even shed a tear, but first I need to focus on the match." Bunting has experienced both sides of the home‑coming coin.
He recalled the rousing welcome Gerwyn Price received in Wales and the enthusiastic reception Michael van Gerwen enjoyed in the Netherlands. "Last year I faced Van Gerwen in Rotterdam and managed to pull off a win despite the hostile atmosphere," Bunting said.
"A few weeks ago I played Gezzy (Price) in front of a Welsh crowd that was firmly behind him. You learn to expect pockets of supporters wherever you go.
Liverpool will be special for me, and I hope the crowd’s energy helps me, but I’m not counting on it. I just want everyone to respect the sport and put on a great night of darts." Elsewhere on the same evening, Littler – who sits second in the standings behind Clayton – will open his night against former world champion Luke Humphries, while Van Veen meets Price and Van Gerwen takes on Josh Rock.
Bunting currently sits seventh in the table, five points behind fourth‑placed Van Gerwen, who occupies the final Play‑Off spot. The Premier League campaign has mirrored the fortunes of Bunting’s beloved Liverpool football club, which is fighting for a Champions League berth amid criticism of manager Arne Slot’s reign.
"The season has been a roller‑coaster," Bunting admitted. "Lots of signings have come in, but they haven’t gelled yet. Injuries have taken a toll. I was a huge Arne Slot fan when we won the league last year, but my opinion has softened this season.
It’s a bit boring to watch at the moment. I’m friends with a few boxers and with Paddy the Baddy, and we often talk about football. We’re all disappointed, but if Slot stays we’ll back him all the way.
Time will tell." Darts promoter Barry Hearn has warned players that they must learn to live with occasional booing, as security cannot remove tens of thousands of fans from a venue. Recent incidents have included Littler being booed in Rotterdam during the final and similar hostility expected in Liverpool. Referee Huw Ware has even had to intervene twice on the Euro Tour in Germany after persistent whistling disrupted play. Hearn told SunSport that players have no choice but to adapt.
"We have to rely on common sense, and sometimes that’s missing. Eventually people realise that booing is counter‑productive to the evening’s entertainment. The players are professionals – they’ll get used to it, even if they don’t like it. You can’t throw out 12,000 people from Ahoy Stadium in Rotterdam and expect to get them back quickly.
It’s just part of the job." Former darts star Wayne Mardle offered advice to the young Littler, insisting that the negative crowd reaction must end. "I believe it has to stop, whatever the circumstances," Mardle said. "Littler is now 19 – he’s no longer a child.
He needs guidance from his team, family and management to handle the pressure. Telling him to ignore the boos isn’t the solution." Mardle pointed to past examples: Peter Manley, Paul Nicholson and Gerwyn Price all struggled when they were disliked by fans, eventually learning to win the crowd over. "Luke Littler never set out to antagonise anyone, but a few incidents have sparked hostility.
We don’t want that negativity affecting a player’s performance. Seeing someone as down as Gerwyn Price looked a couple of years ago wasn’t pleasant, and I’m glad he turned it around. Questioning the crowd rarely works." The Premier League Darts season will continue each Thursday until May, with Luke Humphries defending his title. Fans can follow the action on Sky Sports or stream the matches via NOW.
The upcoming Liverpool showdown promises high drama, both on the oche and in the stands, as players navigate the fine line between passionate support and vocal dissent.