Luke Littler has serious image problem warns Van der Voort: 'You can turn people against you quickly in this sport'

Luke Littler may be one of the most exciting young talents darts has ever seen, but according to former pro Vincent van der Voort, the 18-year-old sensation is developing a serious image problem that could hinder his rise.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast, Van der Voort expressed concern over the way Littler is being received by fans outside the UK. “It’s becoming a real issue, especially when you consider how long his career could be,” said the Dutchman. “He was getting booed a lot in Germany at first, but now it’s spreading. I was in New York last weekend (US Darts Masters ed.), and even there, the crowd was giving him a hard time.”

Van der Voort revealed that he saw Littler backstage after the event and noted how visibly frustrated the teenager appeared. “He wasn’t happy at all. The truth is, he’s only really popular in England – and not even everywhere there. Outside of the UK, he’s getting booed pretty much everywhere now, including in the US.”

Van der Voort believes this growing negativity from fans is beginning to affect Littler’s public image — and could become a serious distraction if not addressed. “There’s got to be a shift. You don’t want to be travelling from tournament to tournament and feel like no one’s behind you. That’s draining, especially at his age,” he said.

The 49-year-old also agrees with podcast host Damian Vlottes that Littler bears some responsibility for the way he’s perceived. Certain actions on stage — like finishing 120 with three tops against Jules van Dongen — have rubbed some fans the wrong way.

But more than his on-stage showmanship, it’s Littler’s comments off the oche that are fuelling criticism. “It’s the things he says and the way he carries himself. They’re not helping his cause,” said Van der Voort. “You can turn people against you quickly in this sport if you're not careful.”