Mark Webster of Sky Sports Darts is confident that Luke Littler will not abandon his darts career because of the way some spectators treat him, even though the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) is working hard to eradicate whistling from the arena. Webster acknowledges that boos are likely to remain a fixture of the sport, but he believes the young star will persevere.
Littler’s dream of clinching every major PDC title in 2026 was shattered on Sunday when he suffered a heavy 10-4 loss to Jonny Clayton in the quarter‑finals of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. While the defeat itself was a major talking point, the discussion that dominated the post‑match analysis centred on Littler’s ongoing, sometimes volatile, relationship with darts fans.
Earlier in the tournament, after beating Nathan Aspinall, Littler publicly threatened to boycott future events in the Netherlands because he had been subjected to both boos and whistling from the crowd. The situation escalated during his Friday victory over Dutch favourite Danny Noppert, where the audience’s hostility grew louder. On Saturday, referee Charlie Corstorphine had to step in during Littler’s last‑16 win over Aspinall to calm the atmosphere.
Littler is not new to taking a stand against unruly crowds. He previously refused to travel to the German leg of the European Tour after experiencing similar treatment from fans there.
Despite these incidents, Webster insists that Littler is unlikely to walk away from the sport entirely. "No, I don’t think he’s going to quit darts over this," Webster told Sky Sports. "He was clearly upset by what happened in the Netherlands, but he also knew that playing a home favourite like Danny Noppert would inevitably draw some rough treatment." Webster went on to comment on the broader issue of crowd conduct.
He admitted that while the PDC is actively trying to eliminate whistling – which many players find distracting, especially when they are in the middle of a throw – booing is a more entrenched part of darts culture. "I’m not saying the booing is right, but it’s become part of the game," he said. "The whistling, however, is a real bugbear for a lot of players right now, and the PDC is experimenting with security measures to curb it." According to Webster, Littler’s frustration after his matches was understandable, but it is unlikely to drive him out of the sport. "He’s dealt with boos before and he can handle them," Webster noted.
"The whistling is annoying and can throw a player off, but a constant boo is something players learn to live with." When asked whether Littler might start skipping Dutch events altogether, Webster said the choice was entirely up to the teenager. "There are fifteen European Tour events throughout the year, but he doesn’t have to play every one of them. He can cherry‑pick the ones he feels comfortable with," he explained. "If he decides to miss a few Dutch stops, he can still plan a full calendar and target the Premier League night there, which is a marquee fixture." Webster also highlighted Littler’s youth and potential longevity in the sport.
At just 19, Littler has already amassed an impressive résumé, including a debut run to the World Championship final and back‑to‑back World Championship titles. "He has a long career ahead of him," Webster said. "He loves darts, he’s brilliant at it, and I expect him to bounce back from any disappointment." The pundit added that Littler remains the primary draw for darts fans, especially after his meteoric rise over the past three years. "We’re still riding the wave of what he’s done," Webster asserted.
"People buy tickets to see him, even if they sometimes boo or whistle. The best players always attract a bit of rough treatment – it’s part of the culture." Looking ahead, Webster is optimistic about Littler’s prospects at upcoming majors.
He believes the teenager will use the setback as motivation and perform strongly at the Grand Prix in Leicester. "He’s only 19 because he started at 16, and in those three years he’s already won almost everything. The next step is to hold every major title," Webster said. "He’ll probably focus on the European Championships, because winning that would complete his collection of major trophies." Webster also stressed that Littler’s recent withdrawal from two Players Championship events in the Netherlands should not be interpreted as a sign of retirement.
"He pulled out less than 24 hours after his clean‑sweep hopes were dashed, but that’s a tactical decision, not an exit strategy," Webster explained. "He’s still within striking distance of the final qualification spot for the Players Championship Finals, and he may still enter that event if he feels ready." The broader darts calendar remains packed with high‑profile tournaments that will give Littler ample opportunity to add to his trophy cabinet.
The World Grand Prix (28 September‑4 October), the Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) will all be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via NOW without a contract. These events, along with the remaining European Tour stops in Leicester, Dortmund, Wolverhampton and Minehead, provide a clear pathway for Littler to chase a historic major‑sweep in 2026.
In summary, while the crowd’s whistling and booing have caused genuine frustration for Luke Littler, experts like Mark Webster believe the young champion’s passion for darts, his proven resilience, and his strategic approach to tournament selection will keep him firmly in the sport. The PDC’s ongoing efforts to curb disruptive noise, combined with Littler’s own willingness to speak out, may even lead to a more respectful atmosphere for players and fans alike. Ultimately, Littler’s talent, determination, and the support of a dedicated fan base suggest that he will continue to be a central figure in darts for years to come, chasing further major titles and cementing his status as world number one.