Luke Littler had to endure jeers from the crowd as he made his entrance for his match at Premier League Night 12 in Liverpool. ‘The Nuke’ took on Michael van Gerwen in his quarter-final at the M&S Bank Arena, and fans made their feelings known towards the Manchester United fan as he made his way to the oche.

It follows the 18-year-old being targeted during the German Darts Grand Prix. During his semi-final defeat by Gian van Veen, Littler was booed and taunted by spectators, and later reacted on social media. On Instagram, he wrote: “Shouldn’t have been in Munich but had to play anyway. Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that.” But why was Littler booed back in England? Express Sport explains…

Why was Luke Littler booed in Liverpool?

Despite the hostile receptions he’s had in Germany, Littler remains a popular figure on home soil. Not on Merseyside, however, where the jeers were fully expected with Van Gerwen always set for the ‘home’ support.

However, the crowd’s anger has little to do with darts. Instead, it was in part a reaction to the world champion mocking them at the 2024 Premier League Darts meeting at the same venue last April.

The event occurred just a day after Liverpool’s 2023/24 Premier League title hopes were shattered by a 2-0 defeat to rivals Everton. Littler gestured the scoreline to the crowd, sparking a volatile response. He also repeatedly mocked Liverpool on social media towards the end of Jurgen Klopp‘s tenure.

He shared a joke that read “What is the difference between Luke Littler & Jurgen Klopp? Littler has more trebles!” in March last year. With Littler such a passionate United fan, it is no surprise he was greeted with boos in Liverpool.

Why did Littler mock Liverpool fans?

In Littler’s defence, the mocking has been mostly jovial. He’s made no secret of his love for their arch-rivals, United, and was invited to Old Trafford after his Alexandra Palace win in January to parade his World Championship trophy on the pitch.

Did Littler expect the boos?

Unlike in Germany, Littler had no illusion about what was coming against MVG. On Wednesday, he wrote on X: “One of the best nights on the Premier League calendar coming up tomorrow, bring on the boos Liverpool“.

Liverpudlian hero Stephen Bunting also warned his rival that he would be booed. He referred to the gesture Littler made 12 months ago, and also accused him of being ‘fragile’ over his recent treatment in Munich.