Luke Littler openly acknowledges that he has not had any conversation with Dutch rival Gian van Veen since their heated encounter in Manchester, yet he maintains that the issue is effectively behind them. The two competitors found themselves embroiled in a public disagreement during a Premier League Darts fixture three weeks ago, when the reigning back‑to‑back world champion was accused of celebrating a missed match dart by his opponent.
The incident sparked a frosty handshake at the conclusion of the match and a flurry of comments on social media, with both players subsequently reinforcing their own versions of what transpired. When asked about the status of their relationship, Littler said, "No, we haven't spoken. I'm not the kind of person who goes up to him and tries to smooth things over." He added that he suspects van Veen may be waiting for him to make the first move, but clarified that he prefers to let others initiate contact, even in practice settings. "People usually come to me first," he explained, emphasizing his reluctance to engage in direct conversation.
Despite the lingering tension off‑stage, Littler insists that the professional side of their rivalry remains unchanged. "We can obviously settle it on the darts board," he said, noting that their preparation and focus have not been affected. "Backstage things have been normal, the same as always.
I think he's forgotten about it, and I've forgotten about it as well. I moved on the next day, went on holiday, and left it behind." The fallout from the Manchester incident has continued to echo throughout Littler's recent appearances.
He reported a hostile reception in Rotterdam last week, where fans expressed displeasure toward him, and he experienced a similarly unwelcoming atmosphere in Liverpool on Thursday. Nevertheless, Littler managed to silence the critics with a dominant performance, defeating Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton en route to a night‑long victory. When pressed about any regrets, Littler was unequivocal: "No, I don't regret anything. Obviously I have my own opinion, he has his, and we're both entitled to them.
We've both moved on with our game on stage, but off stage we haven't spoken. 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, where Liverpool is situated, would carry special significance for Littler, as his relationship with the city has been strained for years.
A self‑confessed Manchester United supporter, Littler has frequently mocked Liverpool's fortunes on social media, which has not endeared him to the local crowd. He noted, however, that the hostility he faced in Liverpool paled in comparison to the reception he received in van Veen's home city of Rotterdam. "If it gets worse than that, then something's wrong," Littler remarked. "Rotterdam was far worse than tonight.
I even proved 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 is eager for a potential rematch should both he and van Veen progress to the finals, which could be staged in Aberdeen, Leeds or Birmingham.
He expressed optimism about the prospect, stating that a future encounter would allow them to resolve any lingering issues on the oche rather than through words. The broader context of the Premier League Darts season adds further intrigue. The competition, broadcast live on Sky Sports and available for streaming via NOW, pits the sport's elite against each other each Thursday, culminating in a final showdown in May.
Fans can follow the schedule, watch highlights, and listen to the "Love the Darts" podcast for deeper analysis. In summary, while Luke Littler and Gian van Veen have yet to exchange a single word since their Manchester showdown, both athletes appear focused on their performance rather than personal grievances.
Littler's candid comments reveal a player who prefers to let his darts speak for him, confident that any unresolved tension will be settled the next time they meet on the board. The upcoming weeks promise further drama, both on the stage and behind the scenes, as the Premier League Darts race intensifies toward its climax.