THE PDC was slammed for the “worst crowd ever” at the Grand Slam of Darts.
Supporters were treated to a brilliant night of entertainment as Luke Littler pulled off a stunning comeback win over Mike De Decker.
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Littler, 17, recovered from 4-8 and 7-9 down to triumph with back-to-back 12-darters.
It meant that he had booked his spot in the quarter-finals and will face Dutch ace Jermaine Wattimena.
But while The Nuke put on one of his “best” performances, viewers were less impressed with the crowd at the Aldersley Leisure Village.
They could be heard booing De Decker when he was at the oche during his clash with Littler, who even appeared to try to calm them down.
Many on social media believed that more should have been done to calm them down by the PDC and referee Kirk Bevins.
One posted: “The crowd are a bloody disgrace. No need to boo de Decker on a double.”
A second commented: “Fantastic comeback from Littler, he’s incredible and showed massive bottle. But PDC, sort out your f****g crowds.”
A third wrote: “Mike de Decker has said in his post-match interview that he asked referee Kirk Bevins to address the crowd, but he didn’t do shit. I know it can’t be easy, but at least give it a go Kirk.”
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A fourth said: “Big L for the crowd, the ref… and the PDC.”
A fifth slammed: “Grown men whistling at the darts, ruining it, top from Littler to be fair but crowd played a huge part.”
Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals
Here is a look at the fixtures for the final eight stars left in the tournament…
Tonight (7pm)
- Cameron Menzies vs Michael Mansell
- Martin Lukeman vs Rob Cross
Saturday, November 16 (7pm)
- Jermaine Wattimena vs Luke Littler
- Gary Anderson v Gian van Veen
A sixth noted: “Great comeback from Littler, but the crowd were disgraceful, especially that guy whistling. I dunno why Mardle or Dawson didn’t call it out.”
Another added: “A good performance from Luke Littler but my word that was embarrassing from the crowd. Officials on stage need to have a word with themselves too.”
Like Littler, Wattimena had to earn his spot in the final eight with a slice of luck.
The Dutchman beat Dimitri Van den Bergh 10-9 after surviving EIGHT match darts.
Wattimena led 7-5 after trailing 4-0 but was up against it once more – before prevailing with his own fifth match dart.
He said: “I thought it was all over. It was incredible
“This was a really difficult game, but a win is a win, and I’m looking forward to the quarter-finals.”
Inside Littler’s massive rise
LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship at the beginning of the year.