Gian van Veen launches scathing attack on Luke Littler following Premier League Darts outburst

Ed Griffiths
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:41:47 +0000

Gian van Veen has launched a scathing attack on Luke Littler following their fiery Premier League Darts quarter-final encounter in Manchester this evening.

The Dutch player had established a commanding 4-1 advantage before Littler fought back to level the contest at 5-5.

Tensions flared when both competitors were poised on a finishing double.

Van Veen accused the teenage sensation of celebrating when he narrowly missed double 15 on the inside.

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The Dutchman also criticised Littler, who performed a mocking, crying gesture during the heated exchange.

Van Veen ultimately secured victory after Littler squandered three attempts at a double to close out the match.

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, Van Veen detailed the confrontation: "I'm on 90 and miss double 15 on the inside, and then I see him cheering towards the crowd. I don't think that's normal.

"And then he makes that crying gesture too...He is a great darts player, but today he shows that he is not a good loser."

He added: "Cheering over an opponent's miss really annoys me. So that's why I gave him an angry look.

"That he then misses three darts at a double, that's his problem."

The triumph held particular significance for Van Veen, who was competing in his first Premier League fixture since undergoing surgery to have kidney stones removed.

He told Viaplay: "The last few weeks have been very tough. And to beat Luke Littler now feels really good. The way it happened, that doesn't really matter to me."

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Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle offered his analysis of the flashpoint.

He said: "I know exactly what happened. Gian van Veen went inside on D15 and Luke was happy about that so kind of gave it the Simon Whitlock 'well done'.

Mardle added: "You shouldn't do that. You have got to say that Gian handled it better."

Supporters took to social media to condemn Littler's behaviour during the clash.

One fan wrote: "Of all people, he tries picking out Gian van Veen, the most innocent and respectful man on tour, what an absolute t****r Luke Littler is."

Another declared that Littler "hasn't covered himself in any glory at all there, behaved like a complete muppet."

Further criticism poured in, with one viewer branding his actions "pathetic" and urging him to "get a grip."

A fourth supporter remarked that the teenage star had "made himself look like a right mug" following the controversial scenes at the Manchester venue.