Luke Littler has openly acknowledged that he has not had a single conversation with Dutch darts star Gian van Veen since the heated confrontation that took place in Manchester three weeks ago, but he insists the episode has been put behind them. The incident unfolded during a Premier League Darts night when the two competitors were paired in a match that ended in a dramatic on‑stage argument. Littler, a back‑to‑back world champion, was accused by van Veen of gloating when his opponent missed a crucial match dart, a claim that sparked a tense exchange and a frosty handshake at the conclusion of the game.

Since that night, both players have used their social media platforms to reinforce their own versions of what happened, and the rivalry has been a frequent talking point among fans and commentators. Despite the lingering tension, Littler says he has not made any effort to reconcile with the Dutchman. "No, we haven't spoken.

I'm not the type of person who goes up and tries to talk to him," he told Sky Sports. "Maybe he's waiting for me to make the first move, but I don't do that.

Even in the practice room, people usually approach me first. I'm not the sort of person who just chats away." Littler did, however, hint that the dispute could be settled on the oche rather than in a hallway.

"We can obviously settle it on the darts board," he said, "but backstage everything has been normal and the preparation has stayed the same. I think he's forgotten about it, I've forgotten about it.

I moved on the day after, went on holiday." This pragmatic attitude reflects his focus on the sport rather than the drama surrounding it. The aftermath of the Manchester bust‑up has not been entirely smooth for Littler. He reported receiving a hostile reception from some fans in Rotterdam last week, and a similarly unfriendly atmosphere in Liverpool on Thursday.

Nevertheless, he managed to quiet the dissenting crowd with a stellar performance, defeating top‑ranked players Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton en route to a night‑time victory. The win, he says, has restored his confidence and reminded him why he loves the game. When asked whether he regretted his actions in Manchester, Littler was unequivocal: "No, I don't regret anything. Obviously I have my opinion, he's got his opinion, and we're both entitled to it.

I think we've both moved on with our game on stage, but off stage, obviously we haven't spoken. It's been a tough couple of weeks, but I just had to get on with it.

Just playing darts, that's what I've done now, winning this night gives me confidence." Littler's relationship with certain venues has also been colored by his personal affiliations. He admits that playing in Liverpool has never felt entirely welcoming, largely because he is a vocal Manchester United supporter and often teases the Anfield club on social media. Yet he claims that the hostility he encountered in Rotterdam—van Veen's home city—was far more intense.

"If it gets worse than that, then something's wrong," he remarked. "Rotterdam was far worse than tonight. I even proved to people last week that I can win games under those circumstances.

There was no anxiety; I just expected the worst, but it wasn't worse than Rotterdam. That's the worst I've experienced." Looking ahead, Littler remains eager for a possible rematch. The two could meet again if they both advance to the Premier League finals, which are slated to be held in Aberdeen, Leeds or Birmingham later this season. A showdown between the English champion and the Dutch contender would not only settle the personal score but also provide a compelling storyline for darts fans worldwide.

In the broader context of the Premier League Darts season, Littler's recent performances have kept him firmly in the hunt for the title. He has demonstrated resilience by bouncing back from controversy, maintaining a high standard of play, and delivering impressive victories against some of the sport's biggest names. His ability to thrive under pressure—whether in front of a hostile crowd or after a public dispute—underscores his status as one of the game's leading figures.

Fans can continue to follow the drama and the competition each Thursday as the league progresses toward its May finals, with live coverage available on Sky Sports and streaming through NOW. The ongoing narrative of Littler versus van Veen adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting season, promising that the next encounter between the two will be watched closely by both supporters and critics alike.