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Luke Littler's Premier League tantrum was out of order - but he needs to be cut some slack

The darts phenomenon and double world champion was accused of celebrating an opponent's miss during a fiery clash with Gian van Veen in Manchester

[Luke Littler reacts during his quarter-final match against Gian Van Veen]

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Luke Littler has been criticised for his behaviour during a Premier League darts defeat to Gian van Veen(Image: Kate McShane, Getty Images)

Luke Littler is probably the most recognisable 19-year-old in Great Britain. He is probably amongst the most recognisable couple of dozen people in Great Britain, full stop.

Who is more recognisable? The Prime Minister? Royalty? A few England footballers, perhaps? Becks? And that is probably about it.

Littler is big-time. And he is not yet 20. Unlike many high-profile footballers, he was not brought through an academy that prepares you for the side issues that go with sporting fame.

Which must make it tough when everything he does is analysed. What he eats, what he says, what company he keeps, and so on. This is why the lad deserves a break after losing his head during a defeat to Gian van Veen on Thursday night.

Littler got pelters on social media after his antics during a 6-5 loss in a round of the Premier League in Manchester. The world champion appeared to gesture angrily toward Van Veen, urging him to hurry up, and later made a crying gesture toward the crowd.

Van Veen, widely acknowledged as one of the nicest players on tour, later claimed that Littler celebrated when his opponent missed a double. While he might contest that version of events, it was clear to anyone watching that Littler was out of order.

But the amount of stick he got on social media was also out of order. Littler has been a godsend for darts, expanding its popularity and bringing money to the players.

[Gian Van Veen reacts whilst shaking the hand of Luke Littler following their quarter final match]

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Gian van Veen accused Luke Littler of celebrating a miss by his opponent(Image: Kate McShane, Getty Images)

But he is also a walking target for those who revel in being negative about high-profile sportspeople. Littler has been booed at various venues, including at Alexandra Palace on his way to a second world title three months ago.

And if he reacts, a darts audience can be tipsily unforgiving. In Manchester against Van Veen, the crowd was with him. It was, effectively, a hometown crowd.

But Littler looked a little wound up. A little frazzled. And no wonder. Darts is a sport that is cashing in on the Littler phenomenon.

[Luke Littler poses with England footballers]

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Luke Littler linked up with the England football squad at St George's Park recently(Image: Getty Images)

The Premier League, backed by Sky Sports, is incredibly popular. Tickets sell out in minutes. But, essentially, it is an exhibition stretched over 17 weeks.

The same eight players are up on stage every Thursday during that time, in locations across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe. A good few drinks are taken by the crowd and pantomime villains and heroes are created.

The Premier League is very lucrative for the players but they also have to compete in regular PDC events. Yes, it might not be the most physically demanding of sports but the demands on a darts player of Littlers standing are considerable.

[Luke Littler with girlfriend Faith Millar pose at The Brit Awards]

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Luke Littler and his girlfriend Faith Millar were red carpet guests at The Brits earlier this year(Image: Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

And then he has to deal with the fame, which, to be fair he seems to quite enjoy at times. England footballers wanted selfies with him at their training camp last week. He was at the Brits as a guest of honour, for goodness sake.

A lot of people want a piece of Luke Littler, which has its material benefits, of course. But it is also why he needs to be cut a lot of slack when throwing a teenage tantrum like he did the other night.

[Andy Dunn]

Andy Dunn

Andy Dunn is the Mirror's chief sports writer.

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