Luke Littler hits back at crowd in 'uncharacteristic' Premier League defeat - 'He doesn't care'

Paul Coyte discusses the latest sport headlines April 3 2025
Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 03/04/2025

- 20:10

Luke Littler crashed out of Night Nine of the Premier League after being beaten by Chris Dobey

Luke Littler responded to jeers from the crowd by giving some back in Berlin as he tasted defeat to Chris Dobey in the quarter-final of Premier League Night Nine.

The Nuke was looking to win back-to-back nights in the Premier League after his victory in Newcastle last week.


But Geordie darts star Dobey exacted his revenge by claiming a shock victory - and in style.

Hollywood beat the world champion 6-2 as Littler failed to hit his doubles while the crowd jeered him with every miss.

Luke Littler

Luke Littler was not happy with the Berlin crowd

Sky Sports

After hitting just 26 on one return, the noise levels around the Uber Arena increased dramatically.

Littler responded by putting his finger to his ears as if to goad them further.

As Dobey took his throw, Littler continued to respond to the Berlin crowd by lifting his hands as if to ask them to jeer even louder.

Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, Wayne Mardle said: "A couple of weeks ago he hit an 11 but somehow managed to just laugh it off, he doesn't care."

However, fellow Sky Sports presenter Mark Webster was critical of the 18-year-old, saying: "He was poor on the double - 16 per cent - you can't legislate for that.

"It was an uncharacteristic performance from Luke. He looked disappointed at the end - he just left himself with too much work to do.

"A big win for Dobey and a good boost for the other players too."

Dobey had raced into a 5-1 lead over Littler in incredible scenes as the teenager missed a whopping 11 darts at a double.

Littler pegged Dobey back to make the score 5-2 but it was not enough as his opponent kept his nerve to win the next leg on his throw.

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Luke Littler

Luke Littler had a tough night in Berlin after crashing out to Chris Dobey

Reuters

Littler is top of the Premier League table and looks set to qualify for the play-offs after Night Sixteen.

The youngster is the reigning champion of the Premier League after winning the competition last year in his debut appearance.

Having gone on to become world champion, beating Michael van Gerwen in January, he has entered the Premier League this year as the hot favourite to win it again.