Darts prodigy Luke Littler is England’s new sporting sensation.
The 16-year-old is a huge Manchester United fan and has admitted the support he’s received from Reds’ present and past players has been ‘crazy’ as he prepares for tonight’s PDC World Darts Championship at the Alexandra Palace.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Littler revealed that he has receieved messages of ‘good luck’ from Luke Shaw, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Jonny Evans.
Littler said: “Obviously, I’ve got a lot of followers now. I’ve had a message off Luke Shaw from United, Rio Ferdinand. I had a message off Gary Neville and Jonny Evans before my game against Barney [Raymond van Barneveld], I think. So it’s just crazy. People who I’ve looked up to, especially my club, Manchester United, wishing me luck.”
Littler, the youngest darts player in history to make the final of the World Championship, could become a champion tonight but first he must beat Leeds United fan Luke Humphries.
All the more reason for wanting Littler to come out on top.
Controversy over reading The Sun
Littler issued an apology last week after receiving some backlash for posing for a photo holding up a copy of The Sun newspaper along with a kebab.
The darts prodigy gave an interview to the newspaper which was published on Friday with a picture of him promoting the publication, along with a headline claiming he ‘loves’ The Sun, as reported by The Mirror.
This prompted backlash from the public given Littler was born in the town of Runcorn near Liverpool, where The Sun newspaper is deeply unpopular due to their coverage of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
Littler took to social media to apologise for the photo.
“Today a photograph of me holding up a newspaper has been published in the media,” Littler wrote. “The media attention I have been getting is very new to me and I didn’t fully understand at the time what I was being asked to do.
“In no way do I endorse that newspaper or the headline which accompanied the article and I sincerely apologise for any offence this has caused. I’m focusing now on my next match with Barney and would like to thank everyone for their amazing support.”
In no way do I endorse that newspaper or the headline which accompanied the article and I sincerely apologise for any offence this has caused.
I'm focusing now on my next match with Barney and would like to thank everyone for their amazing support. ❤️— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) December 29, 2023
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