And tensions erupted with both players on a finish – resulting in some angry actions by Littler towards the Dutchman. And speaking to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, Van Veen revealed what transpired on stage. He said: « I’m on 90 and miss double 15 on the inside, and then I see him cheering towards the crowd. I don’t think that’s normal.
« And then he makes that crying gesture too…He is a great darts player, but today he shows that he is not a good loser. Cheering over an opponent’s miss really annoys me.
« So that’s why I gave him an angry look. That he then misses three darts at a double, that’s his problem. »
Sharing Van Veen’s statement on Instagram, Littler, meanwhile, shrugged off the criticism – simply sharing a string of laughing emojis in a brutal clapback. It was Van Veen’s first week back in the Premier League after having kidney stones removed, and he added: « The last few weeks have been very tough. And to beat Luke Littler now feels really good. The way it happened, that doesn’t really matter to me. »
Speaking on the incident Wayne Mardle told Sky Sports: « I know exactly what happened. Gian van Veen went inside on D15 and Luke was happy about that so kind of gave it the Simon Whitlock ‘well done’. »
Fans were furious at Littler, and they vented on social media: « You shouldn’t do that and as he has done that, Gian has turned around thinking ‘why did you do that’. I can lip read but I won’t repeat what Luke said as I don’t want to hand in my notice. You have got to say that Gian handled it better. »
Another wrote: « Of all people, he tries picking out Gian van Veen, the most innocent and respectful man on tour, what an absolute t***** Luke Littler is. »
« Littler hasn’t covered himself in any glory at all there, behaved like a complete muppet, » a second admitted, while a third shared: « Littler pathetic there, get a grip… » and another added: « Littler has made himself look like a right mug just now. »
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