Stephen Bunting is set to step onto the Ahoy arena stage in front of his home supporters from Liverpool on Thursday night, and he can expect nothing but affection from the local crowd. The atmosphere for his opponent, however, may be far less welcoming. Back-to-back world champion Luke Littler has been on the receiving end of boos in recent weeks, a reaction that stems from his public dispute with Dutch player Gian van Veen during a match in Manchester.
That incident, combined with Littler's outspoken commentary on Liverpool's disappointing season, has already put him in the crosshairs of Merseyside fans who have not hesitated to voice their displeasure on social media. When asked about the inevitable jeering, Bunting admitted that there is little a player can do to control the mood of a live audience.
"It’s not my place to dictate how the crowd behaves," he said. "I try to stay focused on my own game and keep my conduct clean on the oche.
If I slip up once, as I might have after the World Championship, and say something I shouldn't have, I accept the criticism. The fans will react however they see fit, and that’s out of my hands." He added that much of the negativity originates from people behind keyboards, far removed from the venue, and that the actual booing in the arena is solely the choice of those present. Bunting emphasized that his strategy is simple: stay disciplined, avoid controversy, and let his performance speak for itself.
"As long as I keep my game clean and stay out of other people's business, I hope there’s no reason for anyone to boo me," he explained. The Englishman is also a seasoned veteran of the unique pressure that comes with playing in front of a home crowd.
He recalled the warm reception Gerwyn Price received in Wales and the enthusiastic welcome Michael van Gerwen enjoyed in the Netherlands. "Playing in front of your own fans can be emotional," Bunting said. "When I walk out, I take a few extra seconds to breathe and try not to let the emotions get the better of me.
If I win, I might even shed a tear, but I’ll try to keep it together until the final score is in." Bunting is particularly excited about his quarter‑final clash with Premier League leader Jonny Clayton. He believes the electric atmosphere could add an extra edge to the match.
"It’s always special to have the home supporters behind you," he noted. "I hope the crowd respects both players and that we can all produce the best darts of our lives.
If the night is memorable, I’d love for the people of Liverpool to talk about it for years to come." Elsewhere on the same evening, Littler, who sits second in the table behind Clayton, will open his night against former world champion Luke Humphries. Meanwhile, Gian van Veen faces Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen meets Josh Rock. Bunting currently occupies seventh place, five points shy of fourth‑placed van Gerwen, who holds the final Play‑Off spot.
The Premier League campaign for darts has mirrored the fortunes of Liverpool’s football team, both battling to secure a coveted Champions League place amid criticism of manager Arne Slot’s tactics. "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 shifted this year. It’s a bit boring to watch at times, but I stay optimistic and support the club as long as he remains in charge." Darts promoter Barry Hearn has reminded players that they must learn to tolerate booing, as security cannot feasibly remove tens of thousands of spectators.
Recent incidents include Littler being jeered in Rotterdam during a final and persistent whistling disrupting matches on the Euro Tour in Germany, forcing referee Huw Ware to intervene. Hearn told SunSport that while fans’ common sense is essential, it is often lacking.
"Eventually people realise that constant booing hurts the atmosphere, but until then the players have to adapt," he said. "You can’t clear a stadium of 12,000 people in Rotterdam just because a few are being disruptive. The best we can do is appeal to common sense and hope it returns." Veteran commentator Wayne Mardle has also weighed in, urging Littler’s support team to intervene.
"At 19, Luke is no longer a child; he needs guidance from friends, family, and management to handle the crowd pressure," Mardle said. He warned that ignoring the problem would be counter‑productive, citing past examples of players like Peter Manley, Paul Nicholson, and Gerwyn Price, who struggled when they fell out of favour with fans. "Luke never set out to antagonise anyone, but a few incidents have sparked negative reactions.
We need to stop that before it affects his performance," Mardle added. Looking ahead, the Premier League Darts continues every Thursday until May, with Luke Humphries defending his title and the drama unfolding across the league. Fans can stream the matches on NOW, follow the schedule and table online, and catch highlights on various darts video platforms.
For those who love the sport, the upcoming Liverpool showdown promises a blend of hometown support for Bunting, potential hostility for Littler, and high‑stakes darts that could shape the final Play‑Off picture.