Luke Littler threatens to boycott Netherlands darts events after booing

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Luke Littler warned he might skip future darts tournaments in the Netherlands after facing hostile crowds during the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. His potential withdrawal raises concerns about the impact of fan behavior on player participation as he aims to complete a historic sweep of all 10 major televised darts titles this year.

Luke Littler has issued a warning that he may boycott future darts tournaments in the Netherlands following hostile reactions from the crowd during the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. The young player, who is aiming to complete an unprecedented sweep of all 10 major televised tournaments this year, encountered booing and whistling from spectators during his matches on Friday and Saturday.

Littler, the reigning back-to-back world champion, faced jeers from Dutch fans while defeating local favorite Danny Noppert on Friday. The atmosphere further deteriorated during his last-16 match against Nathan Aspinall on Saturday night, prompting referee Charlie Costorphine to intervene to maintain order.

This is not the first time Littler has wrestled with adverse crowd behavior in European venues. He previously refused to participate in European Tour events held in Germany due to similar treatment from spectators. Speaking to Online Darts, Littler said he remains open to revisiting Germany if the environment improves but is "100%" ready to withdraw from Dutch events if the situation does not change. He lamented the impact of the hostile crowds on his experience, stating that there was little point in traveling and wasting time if he continued to be jeered while trying to focus on his game and engage with fans.

Despite the challenging conditions, Littler secured a narrow last-leg victory over Aspinall, sustaining his quest to become the first player ever to win all 10 major televised darts competitions within a calendar year. His undefeated streak includes triumphs in the initial five tournaments of the season. The 19-year-old is set to face Welsh player Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Littler’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between players and volatile crowds during darts events, raising questions about the impact of spectator behavior on athletes' willingness to compete internationally. Organizers and fans alike may face pressure to ensure a more respectful atmosphere as Littler pursues his historic run.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.