Stephen Bunting is set to step onto the Ahoy arena stage on Thursday night with the expectation that the Liverpool crowd will shower him with cheers and support. The atmosphere, however, is likely to be very different for his fellow competitor, back‑to‑back world champion Luke Littler, who has been on the receiving end of boos in recent weeks after a public dispute with Dutchman Gian van Veen in Manchester. Even aside from that episode, the Merseyside audience may already have a bone to pick with the Manchester United fan, who has not hesitated to highlight Liverpool’s uneven season on his social media platforms. When asked about the possibility of being booed, Bunting was candid about the limited control players have over the reactions of spectators.
"It’s not really my place to dictate how the crowd feels," he said. "When I’m on the oche I focus on playing my best, and most of the time the fans respond positively. There was one moment after the World Championship when I probably said something I shouldn’t have, and I got a bit of flak for it – perhaps a little harsh.
In the end, fans will react however they want, and there’s not much we can do about that. "A lot of people sit behind keyboards and write whatever they like, and that’s out of our hands. If someone is in the venue and chooses to boo, that’s entirely their decision," Bunting continued. "As long as I stay clean, keep to my own game and stay out of other people’s business, I hope there’s no reason for anyone to give me a reason to boo." Bunting thrives on crowd energy, and he is especially eager for the moment he meets Premier League leader Jonny Clayton in the quarter‑finals.
"Playing in front of my home fans is always emotional," he admitted. "I’ll probably take a few extra seconds on the walk‑on, take a deep breath and try not to get too choked up. I’ve already had an emotional day – I visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – so if I win I might shed a tear, but first I have to focus on the match." He also reflected on the opposite side of the home‑coming coin, recalling the warm welcomes Gerwyn Price receives in Wales and Michael van Gerwen enjoys in the Netherlands.
"It can be tough," Bunting noted. "Last year I faced van Gerwen in Rotterdam and managed to pull off a win despite the hostile atmosphere.
A few weeks ago I played Price in front of a packed Welsh crowd, and you can feel the support pouring in. Wherever you go, you’ll find pockets of fans cheering you on.
Liverpool will be no different – I’m looking forward to it and hope it gives me an edge, though I don’t count on it. I expect the crowd to respect both players and for it to be a great Premier League night that Liverpool fans will talk about for a long time." In the same Liverpool evening, Littler – who sits second in the table behind Clayton – will open his campaign against former world champion Luke Humphries, while Gian van Veen faces Price and van Gerwen meets Josh Rock. Bunting currently sits seventh, five points shy of fourth‑placed van Gerwen, who holds the final Play‑Off spot. The ups and downs of Bunting’s Premier League campaign mirror those of his hometown football side, which is battling for a Champions League berth under the scrutiny of Arne Slot’s management.
"The season has been a roller‑coaster, hasn’t it?" Bunting mused. "New signings haven’t clicked yet, injuries have taken a toll, and my view of Slot has shifted. I was a big fan after the title win, but this year has been less exciting. I chat with a lot of the boxers and Paddy the Baddy about football, and we’re all hoping the manager sticks around.
Time will tell." Darts promoter Barry Hearn has reminded players that they must learn to cope with booing, as security cannot simply eject tens of thousands of fans. Recent incidents include Littler being jeered in Rotterdam during a final and the need for referee Huw Ware to intervene twice on the Euro Tour in Germany after persistent whistling disrupted play. Hearn told SunSport that while crowd misconduct is “counter‑productive,” players are professionals and must adapt, even if he personally dislikes the situation. He added that expelling 12,000 spectators from a venue like Ahoy Stadium would be impractical, so common sense among fans is essential.
Veteran Wayne Mardle has also weighed in, urging Littler’s support team to intervene and help the 19‑year‑old handle the negativity. "He’s no longer a child; he’s a young man and he needs guidance," Mardle said.
"Ignoring the boos isn’t the answer. Players like Peter Manley, Paul Nicholson and Gerwyn Price all learned the hard way that alienating the crowd hurts performance. Littler didn’t set out to antagonise anyone, but a few incidents have sparked a backlash. We need to stop the negativity before it affects his game." As the Premier League Darts season progresses, fans can follow the action each Thursday until May on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via NOW.
The competition promises more drama, high‑stakes matches and the ever‑present challenge of managing the crowd’s mood – whether it’s cheering for a hometown hero or voicing discontent at a rising star.