ITV has been forced to apologise to viewers after darts fans at the UK Open loudly sang about Sir Keir Starmer during Luke Littler's championship match with James Wade.
The Prime Minister endured a weekend of public hostility, with darts spectators at Butlin's Minehead Resort directing chants at him during Sunday's final.
Sir Keir has found himself under intense scrutiny following his handling of the Iran situation, prompting US President Donald Trump to take a swipe, comparing him unfavourably to Winston Churchill.
While James Wade and Luke Litter were playing in the second session of Sunday's showpiece match, the crowd's loud singing of "Keir Starmer's a w****r" was audible to viewers.
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ITV then apologised during the coverage for foul language.
The criticism of the Prime Minister extended beyond sporting venues, with demonstrators in the capital also voicing their displeasure.
President Trump said Sir Keir was "not Winston Churchill" after the Prime Minister initially declined to authorise US strikes against Iran from British military bases.
The US had sought permission to use UK bases, including the joint facility on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, for operations targeting Iranian positions following drone attacks in the Middle East.
ITV was forced to apologise to viewers after darts fans at the UK Open loudly sang x-rated chants about Prime Minister Keir Starmer whilst Luke Littler played
|PA
Sir Keir subsequently reversed his position, agreeing to permit American aircraft to conduct missions for "specific and limited defensive purposes" from British soil.
Despite this concession, Mr Trump expressed that he remained "very disappointed" with his British counterpart's response to the crisis.
Iranian demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Sunday, marching in support of President Trump whilst directing their anger at the Prime Minister.
The protesters were calling for greater British involvement in efforts against the Iranian regime, viewing Sir Keir's initial reluctance to support US strikes as a betrayal of those seeking liberation in Iran.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer endured a weekend of public hostility
|PA
The hostile chanting towards Sir Keir has become a recurring feature at darts events.
Similar scenes were witnessed during the World Championship at Alexandra Palace over the Christmas period.
Crowds at multiple tournaments have been heard singing the same crude chant about the Prime Minister.
On the oche, Littler successfully defended his UK Open crown.
He defeated Wade 11-7 in a rematch of last year's final, which the teenager had won more convincingly at 11-2.
Luke Littler retained his UK Open title with another win over James Wade | PDCThe world number one and two-time world champion appears to be rediscovering his best form following a sluggish start to 2026 that had seen him struggling in the Premier League standings.
The young sensation has now etched his name alongside some of the sport's greatest players, becoming just the fourth competitor to secure back-to-back UK Open crowns.
It is elite company, with only Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor, and Michael van Gerwen having previously managed the feat.
For Wade, it was heartbreak once more, with this marking his fifth appearance in a UK Open final as he sought a fourth title at the tournament.
The pair faced off in a rematch of last year's final, though this encounter proved far tighter than Littler's commanding 11-2 victory in 2025.
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