Luke Littler may never set foot in Germany again after experiencing hostile treatment from crowds during the World Cup of Darts, it's been claimed.
The 18-year-old darts prodigy and his England teammate Luke Humphries were knocked out of the tournament by the host nation.
They faced relentless booing from German spectators throughout their match. Littler endured jeers from his opening throw, which left him "completely rattled".
The harsh reception has sparked concerns that the teenager might avoid competing in Germany in future. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures in the darts community who condemned the crowd's unsporting conduct.
Luke Littler may never set foot in Germany again after experiencing hostile treatment from crowds during the World Cup of Darts, it's been claimed
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Belgian darts legend Erik Clarys strongly criticised the German crowd's behaviour and warned about its psychological impact on young players.
Speaking on VTM, Clarys said: "Just imagine being Luke Littler. He's still so young. Everywhere else, he's celebrated but here in Germany, he's being booed from start to finish."
Clarys, who has worked with young players on the Development Tour, expressed deep concern about the lasting effects.
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries recently struggled at the World Cup of Darts
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"I've worked with kids his age on the Development Tour. You can't imagine the effect something like this has on young players. It gets into your head. All you want to do is go home. Far away."
Darts commentator Rudy Lanssens echoed these concerns and suggested Littler might never return to Germany.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Luke Littler never sets foot in Germany again. This kind of behaviour is absolutely out of order," he stated.
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Lanssens contrasted the German crowd's conduct with other nations, noting: "This wouldn't happen in Belgium at least not so obviously and unsportingly."
He then called for immediate action from darts' governing body.
"The PDC has to step in this is completely unacceptable," Lanssens added, demanding intervention to address what he viewed as intolerable crowd behaviour that crossed the line of sporting rivalry.
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Beyond the crowd controversy, the England duo faced criticism for their on-pitch performance.
Welsh darts star Gerwyn Price suggested the pair lacked teamwork, claiming they needed better "connection" and more "camaraderie off the stage".
The shocking elimination drew comparisons to past England football disappointments.
Northern Ireland won the World Cup of Darts on Sunday
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Fans likened the partnership's failure to the unsuccessful midfield combination of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard during their time with the national team.
The incident has raised broader questions about crowd behaviour at international darts events and whether young players like Littler require better protection from hostile atmospheres when competing abroad.
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