Luke Littler has openly acknowledged that he still hasn’t spoken to Dutch rival Gian van Veen following their heated encounter in Manchester, but he maintains that the issue is effectively behind them. The confrontation occurred during a Premier League Darts fixture three weeks ago, when the two back‑to‑back world champions got into a verbal spat after Littler was accused of celebrating a missed match dart by van Veen. The tension lingered through a chilly handshake at the conclusion of the match and spilled over onto social media, where each player has continued to defend his own perspective.
When asked about the state of their relationship, Littler was blunt: “No, we haven’t spoken. I’m not the sort of person who goes over and tries to make conversation with him.” He added that he suspects van Veen might be waiting for him to make the first move, but Littler prefers to let others initiate any dialogue.
Even in practice sessions, he says, he expects his opponents to approach him first if they want to talk. Despite the lingering silence, Littler is already looking ahead to a possible rematch. Both competitors could meet again if they advance to the knockout stages in Aberdeen, Leeds or Birmingham, and Littler says he would welcome the chance to settle any lingering scores on the oche rather than in the hallway. “We can obviously settle it on the darts board, but backstage it’s been normal, the preparation hasn’t changed,” he explained.
“I think he’s forgotten about it, I’ve forgotten about it. I moved on the next day, went on holiday and left it behind.” The fallout from the Manchester episode has not been limited to the two players. Littler reports that the reaction from fans has been hostile in several venues.
In Rotterdam last week he faced a cold reception, and a similar unwelcoming atmosphere greeted him in Liverpool on Thursday. Nevertheless, he managed to quiet the dissenting crowd with a stellar performance, defeating Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton en route to a night‑time triumph. When pressed about any regrets, Littler was unequivocal: “No, I don’t regret anything.
Obviously I have my opinion, he has his opinion, and we’re both entitled to them.” He believes both men have moved on professionally, even if personal communication remains absent. “It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but I just had to get on with it. Playing darts is what I do, and winning tonight gives me confidence.” Success on the Mersey’s banks holds particular significance for Littler, not only because it adds to his growing list of titles but also because of the personal dynamics at play. He admits he has never felt entirely embraced by Liverpool supporters, partly due to his allegiance to Manchester United and his occasional jabs at Anfield’s fortunes on social media.
Yet, he insists the hostility he experienced in Liverpool pales in comparison with the atmosphere he encountered in van Veen’s hometown of Rotterdam. “The situation in Rotterdam was far worse than anything I faced here,” Littler said.
“I even proved last week that I can win under those circumstances. There was no anxiety; I just expected the worst, but it wasn’t worse than Rotterdam. That was the toughest environment I’ve faced.” Looking forward, the Premier League Darts campaign continues each Thursday, culminating in finals slated for May. Fans can follow the drama and watch every match on Sky Sports or stream the action via NOW.
As the season progresses, the question remains whether Littler and van Veen will finally meet again on the stage, allowing them to resolve their dispute through pure competition rather than words. Regardless of the outcome, Littler’s focus remains clear: concentrate on his game, rack up victories, and let the darts speak for themselves.