Luke Littler has made it clear he doesn't care about being booed in Liverpool later this week - despite being branded 'fragile' by fellow darts player Stephen Bunting.
The teenage sensation is braced for a potentially hostile reception at the M&S Bank Arena on Thursday night due to his Manchester United allegiance.
Littler, 18, previously angered Liverpool supporters when he mocked the club for losing 2-0 to Everton last year.
As a result, the darts prodigy was booed by the Merseyside crowd and could face similar treatment on his return.
Luke Littler has made it clear he doesn't care about being booed in Liverpool later this week - despite being branded 'fragile' by fellow darts player Stephen Bunting
PA
Bunting, a self-proclaimed Liverpool fan, discussed the reception awaiting Littler at the upcoming event.
"Last year, I was there as a fan and he was mocking us for getting beat 2-0 by Everton, and I don't think people forget stuff like that," Bunting explained.
"I would imagine he's going to get a few boos from a Liverpool crowd and, with how fragile he is at the minute after his experience in Germany, I don't think he likes it."
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the fiercest in English football.
Littler's previous taunting of Liverpool supporters has not been forgotten on Merseyside, setting the stage for a potentially frosty atmosphere.
Bunting suggested the football rivalry could create problems for Littler in Liverpool.
The Liverpool fan added a pointed remark about Littler's situation: "Sometimes you can bring it on yourself."
Bunting also cautioned about mixing football rivalries with darts, calling it "a dangerous path to go down."
Littler appears well aware of the reception that awaits him in Liverpool, however, with the 18-year-old seemingly unfazed.
READ MORE: Ian Wright's incredible £1,700 gesture revealed after controversial accusation from Eni Aluko
Taking to social media platform X, the teenager wrote: "One of the best nights on the Premier League calendar coming up tomorrow, bring on the boos Liverpool".
His defiant message suggests he's prepared for the hostile atmosphere.
The post comes shortly after Littler endured a difficult time at the German Darts Grand Prix.
He lost in the semi-finals to Gian van Veen, adding to his recent frustrations on the European circuit.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Following his defeat in Germany, Littler posted a cryptic message on Instagram hinting at skipping upcoming German events.
Sharing a photo from inside his car, 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."
He has also previously struggled with hostile German crowds, admitting during Premier League Darts in Berlin that he "had a little headloss moment" due to booing.
Luke Littler has been in outstanding form in the Premier League with the teenager keen to win the title for the second year in a row
PA"I don't get it, and I can't explain it," Littler previously said about hostile receptions in Germany. "Obviously, you do your walk-on, but then as soon as I got on stage, I started getting booed."
The young star will face Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals in Liverpool on Thursday.
Whether Littler can handle the pressure from Liverpool fans remains to be seen as he looks to extend his lead at the top of the standings.
