Stephen Bunting is set to step onto the Ahoy arena in Liverpool on Thursday night with the expectation of receiving a cheering home crowd. The atmosphere for him should be one of admiration and support, a stark contrast to the reception that fellow competitor Luke Littler has been encountering lately. Littler, who has just secured back‑to‑back world titles, has found himself on the receiving end of boos after a public dispute with Dutchman Gian van Veen in Manchester.
The tension has spilled over onto the Merseyside stage, where fans have already hinted that they may not be as welcoming, especially given Littler’s recent social‑media commentary that highlighted Liverpool’s poor form this season. Bunting, however, is realistic about the unpredictability of crowd behaviour.
"It’s not for me to dictate how the audience reacts," he told reporters when asked about the possibility of being booed. "When I’m on the oche I just try to play my best and let the fans decide how they feel.
There was one moment after the World Championship when I said something I probably shouldn’t have, and I got a bit of flak for it – maybe a little harsh, but that’s the nature of the sport. People type whatever they want online, and once you’re in the arena, the crowd does what they want. We can’t control that." He added that his focus remains on staying disciplined, keeping his conduct clean, and avoiding any unnecessary controversy that could give spectators a reason to turn against him.
"As long as I keep my head down, play well, and stay out of other people’s business, I hope the crowd will respect that and keep the boos to a minimum," Bunting said. The Englishman is also looking forward to a high‑stakes quarter‑final clash against Premier League leader Jonny Clayton. "Playing in front of my own supporters is always emotional," Bunting admitted. "I’ll take a few extra seconds on my walk‑on, breathe deep, and try not to let the nerves get the better of me.
I’ve already had an emotional day – I visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital earlier – so if I win I might even shed a tear, but first I have to focus on the match." Bunting’s own career has given him a taste of both warm welcomes and hostile environments. He recalled the enthusiastic reception Gerwyn Price received in Wales and the fervent applause Michael van Gerwen enjoyed in the Netherlands. "Last year I played Van Gerwen in Rotterdam.
The crowd was huge, but I managed to stay composed and took the win," Bunting reflected. "A few weeks ago I faced Gezzy in Wales; the Welsh fans were behind him, which is expected. You always have pockets of support wherever you go, and that’s part of the sport’s charm." He believes Liverpool’s crowd will be respectful regardless of who is on stage. "I hope the atmosphere helps my opponent, because that could make my night easier, but I don’t count on it.
I just want everyone to play their best darts and give the fans a night to remember. I’d love for the people of Liverpool to talk about this Premier League evening for years to come," he said.
The night’s programme also features Littler, who sits second in the standings behind Clayton, opening his evening against former world champion Luke Humphries. Meanwhile, Van Veen will meet Price, and Van Gerwen will face Josh Rock.
Bunting currently occupies seventh place, five points shy of fourth‑placed Van Gerwen, who holds the final Play‑Off slot. The Premier League’s ebb and flow mirrors the fortunes of Bunting’s hometown football club, Liverpool, which is fighting for a Champions League berth amid criticism of manager Arne Slot’s tenure. "The season has been a roller‑coaster," Bunting observed. "New signings haven’t gelled yet, injuries have taken a toll, and my view of Slot has shifted.
I was a big fan when he won the league, but this year has been more frustrating to watch. I discuss football with a lot of friends, including boxers and ‘Paddy the Baddy’, and we all share the same concerns. If Slot stays, we’ll keep supporting him, but we’ll see how it goes." Darts promoter Barry Hearn has reminded players that booing is part of the game, noting that security cannot remove thousands of fans from a venue.
Recent incidents have seen crowds whistle and jeer, such as Littler’s reception in Rotterdam where he was booed on his way to the final. 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 must adapt, adding, "We rely on common sense, but sometimes it’s lacking.
Eventually fans realise that booing hurts the atmosphere, and it usually subsides. Players are professionals; they’ll get used to it, even if we don’t like it.
You can’t eject 12,000 people from Ahoy Stadium in Rotterdam – it would take forever to let them back in. So we have to trust a bit of common sense, even if it arrives slowly. If you’re the one being booed, the only answer is to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you’ve acted like a numpty." Veteran Wayne Mardle has also weighed in, urging Littler’s support team to intervene. "It has to stop," Mardle said.
"Littler is 19 now; he’s no longer a child and needs guidance from his friends, family, and management. Ignoring the boos isn’t the solution. Players like Peter Manley, Paul Nicholson, and Gerwyn Price have all tried to ignore negative crowd reactions and ended up looking miserable. They eventually changed their approach and won the crowd over.
Littler didn’t set out to antagonise anyone, but a few incidents have sparked hostility. He wants it to end, and we all want to avoid the negative impact on a player’s performance. Seeing someone as down as Gerwyn Price looked a couple of years ago was painful, and we’re glad he recovered.
Questioning the crowd never works." As the Premier League Darts season progresses, fans can follow the action each Thursday until May on Sky Sports or stream the matches via NOW. The drama of home‑court advantage, crowd reactions, and the personal journeys of players like Bunting and Littler continues to add intrigue to what is already one of darts’ most compelling competitions.