Luke Littler celebrates Raymond van Barneveld win by watching Tottenham beat Bournemouth as England star’s special guest
DARTS sensation Luke Littler underlined his new-found celebrity status by watching Spurs beat Bournemouth 3-1 as a guest of England star James Maddison.
The youngest ever World Championship quarter-finalist, 16, recreated a little of the buzz he’s made at the Ally Pally as fans spotted him relaxing in the stands during Sunday’s Prem clash.
Luke Littler relaxed in the stands as Spurs hosted BournemouthReuters
Sky SportsDarts World Championship sensation Littler caused a stir at Tottenham[/caption]
Viewers were quick to point out the Warrington wonderboy is a Manchester United fan.
But his mind looked to be more on his own remarkable achievement the previous day than the Red Devils’ latest misfortune.
Soon after United slumped 2-1 at Nottingham Forest, Little crushed his idol and four-time world title winner Raymond van Barneveld 4-1.
And while Barney took defeat like a “gentleman” his fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag is under far more strain – with his Red Devils’ boss job reportedly under threat.
Littler is racking up nicknames faster than shot-shy United score goals – with Luke the Nuke and the Kebab Kid two of the newest as he soars to second favourite for the PDC crown behind Michael van Gerwen.
Arsenal’s England aces Aaron Ramsdale and Declan Rice posed with him before last Thursday’s shock 2-0 home loss against West Ham.
And there was an excited murmur when Littler was spotted by Sky Sports cameras as well as supporters at Tottenham on New Year’s Eve.
Fans online joked he could be turned off United and onto Spurs.
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AlamyRaymond van Barneveld took his defeat against Littler like a ‘gentleman’[/caption]
When some pointed out he was not a Spurs supporter, they attracted comments like: “He will be” and “he will now”.
Tottenham YouTuber Chris Cowlin grabbed a selfie “with the man of the moment Luke Littler”.
But after sharing the snap Cowlin himself added: “I’ve been told – he DOESN’T support Spurs. He is James Maddison’s guest.”
Littler saw Pape Matar Sarr, Son Heung-min and Richarlison sink Bournemouth, for whom Alex Scott replied with his first ever Prem goal.
But Spurs knew they would enter 2024 in fifth place even if they had failed to win.
In contrast, Littler’s life could change spectacularly in the next few days – as he eyes the world title and a £500,000 jackpot.
After beating Barney he said: “I fancy myself. I do fancy myself.
“Barney said to me at the end, ‘you can go all the way. I hope you go all the way’. I said: ‘Thank you’. He is a true gentlemen.”
