Luke Littler says Nathan Aspinall had a pint thrown at him just before their Premier League Darts final clash on Thursday.
The British duo battled to take Night 5 of this year’s tournament in Brighton, with Littler winning 6-3 on the south coast.
It’s the 18-year-old reigning champion’s second Premier League win of 2025, but it appeared to be marred by fan behaviour.
When Aspinall walked onto the stage he could be seen speaking to darts referee Huw Ware, seemingly complaining about something.
He then gestured as if to say something had been thrown, before giving the area next to his table a swipe with his foot.
Speaking after, a reporter asked Littler: “Just before that final started, we saw Nathan talking to Huw, was anything thrown on the stage?
“It looked like something was on the stage that you sort of picked up and threw away?
“I think there was a pint thrown,” Littler replied, before he added: “At Nathan, as soon as he came on the stage. Crazy.”
When asked about fan behaviour in 2025 via the Daily Record, he added: “I think we all know some have been good, some have been a bit bad.
“But that’s the dart fans for you. They’re either good or they’re bad.”
Thursday night’s controversy comes just weeks after the Professional Darts Corporation [PDC] issued a strong statement to fans due to boos and whistles during night two in Glasgow.
“Following Thursday’s Premier League Darts night in Glasgow, the PDC wishes to strongly reiterate that it does not condone any behaviour which can disrupt an event, such as whistling or booing when players are throwing,” they said.
“Every player goes on stage with the intention of performing to the best of their ability and providing an entertaining spectacle for all fans, whether in the venue or watching worldwide.
“As per the terms and conditions of entry to events, spectators who act inappropriately can be removed from the venue.”
“The PDC works closely with Premier League venues, who have responsibility for crowd control, to take proactive and decisive action against those who behave inappropriately,” they added.
“The vast majority of fans who attend our sell-out events on a regular basis also condemn this behaviour and we will continue to promote a positive atmosphere which gives all players the opportunity to play to the best of their ability in every match.”
Littler may have emerged victorious in Brighton to second in the Premier League, but two of his rivals also had memorable nights.
Rob Cross and Luke Humphries both bagged £30,000 in prize money with stunning nine-dart finishes.
