Stephen Bunting is set to step onto the stage in front of a cheering home crowd in Liverpool on Thursday night, and he can expect nothing but support from his local fans. The atmosphere for his opponent, however, looks far less friendly. Two‑time world champion Luke Littler has endured a series of boos in recent weeks, a backlash that began after a public dispute with Dutchman Gian van Veen in Manchester. Even without that incident, Littler’s presence on Merseyside is likely to provoke a negative reaction, especially given his outspoken comments on social media that have highlighted Liverpool’s difficulties this season.
Bunting, aware of the volatile nature of live audiences, admits that there is little a player can do to control how fans behave. "It’s not my job to dictate how the crowd reacts," he said when asked about the boos aimed at Littler. "I’m in a position where the audience generally responds positively to me, and I try to stay focused on my game on the oche." He recalled a moment after the World Championship when he slipped up with a remark that drew a harsh response from some spectators.
"Fans will react however they want, and we can’t change that," Bunting added. "A lot of people sit behind keyboards and write whatever they like, but the people in the arena who choose to boo are acting on their own.
"As long as I keep my game clean, stay out of other players’ business and avoid creating drama, I hope there’s no reason for anyone to boo me," he continued. Bunting is also eager to feed off the energy of a supportive crowd when he meets Premier League leader Jonny Clayton in the quarter‑finals.
"Playing in front of my home fans is always emotional," he explained. "I’ll take a few extra seconds on my walk‑on, breathe deeply, and try not to get too carried away.
If I win, I might even shed a tear, but first I have to focus on the match." He reflected on past experiences of both welcoming and hostile receptions. In Wales, Gerwyn Price was greeted with warmth, while Michael van Gerwen received a raucous Dutch welcome. "Last year I faced Van Gerwen in Rotterdam and managed to win despite the pressure," Bunting said. "A few weeks ago I played Gezzy Price in front of a packed Welsh arena, and the crowd was firmly behind him.
You always find pockets of support wherever you go." Looking ahead to Liverpool, Bunting believes the local support could give him an edge, though he does not count on it. "I hope the crowd respects both players, regardless of who’s on stage," he said.
"If the atmosphere helps me have an easier night, that’s fine, but I’m not relying on it. I just want everyone to play their best darts and make it a memorable Premier League night for the city." Meanwhile, the rest of the Liverpool night’s programme features Littler, who is currently second in the standings behind Clayton, opening his match against former world champion Luke Humphries. Gian van Veen will meet Price, and Michael van Gerwen will face Josh Rock. Bunting sits seventh on the table, five points adrift of fourth‑placed Van Gerwen, who currently holds the final Play‑Off spot.
The Premier League campaign for darts has mirrored the ups and downs of Liverpool’s football season, where the club is fighting for a Champions League place amid criticism of manager Arne Slot’s tenure. "The season has been a roller‑coaster," Bunting observed. "New signings haven’t gelled, injuries have taken a toll, and my view of Slot has changed this year.
It’s a bit dull to watch at times." He noted his friendships with several footballers, including boxers‑turned‑fans and Liverpool star Paddy McCarthy, saying they often discuss the sport together. "We’re all in the same group, supporting the club even when things look bleak. If Slot stays, we’ll back him fully; otherwise we’ll see what happens," he added. Darts promoter Barry Hearn has warned players that they must become accustomed to occasional booing, as security cannot remove tens of thousands of fans from a venue.
Recent incidents have seen crowds whistle and jeer, with Littler being booed in Rotterdam during a final and likely to face similar hostility in Liverpool. Referee Huw Ware has even had to intervene on the Euro Tour in Germany after persistent whistling disrupted play. Hearn told SunSport that while players have to adapt, he does not enjoy the situation. "We rely on common sense, but sometimes it’s missing.
Eventually fans realise that booing hurts the evening, but until then the professionals have to cope," he said. "You can’t throw out 12,000 people from Ahoy Stadium in Rotterdam; it takes too long to bring them back.
So we have to use a bit of common sense, even if it arrives slowly." Former champion Wayne Mardle offered advice to Littler, emphasizing that the negative crowd reaction must end. "At 19, Luke is no longer a child; he needs a solid support team around him," Mardle said. "He didn’t set out to antagonise anyone, but a few incidents have caused tension. He and his management must address it, not ignore it." Mardle reminded everyone that no player enjoys being disliked.
He cited Peter Manley, Paul Nicholson and Gerwyn Price, who all eventually changed their approach to win over crowds after facing hostility. "We don’t want to see a player look as down as Price did a couple of years ago," Mardle warned. "Questioning the crowd rarely works; it’s better to focus on the game and let the audience come around." As the Premier League darts season continues, fans can watch the action every Thursday until May on Sky Sports, with live streams available via NOW. The tournament promises more drama, high‑stakes matches, and the ever‑present challenge of handling the crowd, whether they cheer or boo.