Penny Smith has scolded darts fans after teenage sensation Luke Littler was booed during his appearance at the World Championship, telling viewers the crowd should “have some decorum”.
The GB News host weighed in on the controversy after Littler, just 18 years old, was targeted by sections of the audience despite delivering an impressive performance on the world stage.
The defending champion, 18, saw off Rob Cross 4-2 in a tricky last-16 clash in which he was booed by some sections of the crowd.
“I’m not bothered, really I’m not bothered,” Littler said when asked about the boos immediately after the match.
He added: “You can do what you like you bought the tickets, and that’s paying for my prize money. So thank you.”
He finished with a cheeky dig at the hecklers, adding: “Thanks for booing me, come on!”
Political commentator Chloe Dobbs said on GB News: “I mean, the poor guy is only 18 years old. Who boos an 18-year-old?
Penny Smith hit out at the crowd telling them ‘get some decorum’
|
GB NEWS
“Even if you slightly prefer Rob Cross, who he was up against and who is a former champion, you have got to give your hat to an 18-year-old who is doing so incredibly well.
“But he did not let the sports fans he did not let the haters win.
“He went back at them and said, ‘Well folks, you can boo all you want, but you have paid your ticket, which is paying for my prize money, so the joke’s on you.’”
Penny Smith responded: “Who knows why they boo? I do not know. I only like booing at pantomimes and that sort of thing.”
Luke Littler hit back at the crowd for booing him
|
GETTY
Eamonn added: “At football games it is just common practice.”
Penny went on to say: “I just cannot see the point of booing.
“Cheer your own side, but do not boo when other people do it. For goodness sake, what is wrong with people? Let’s have a bit of decorum here.”
After the match Littler said: “I think I lost it, I think it is still on there [the stage].
“It is one of those things, the fans, you have got to leave it all in there and give out the odd little ones for the checkouts and breaks of throw, but leave it all until that winning dart.
“I think two years ago I would have started throwing my darts left handed, but that is how much I have grown and matured.
“People might not say I am mature, but try being in my position.
“I think it is the first time I have been at the World Championships and the crowd haven’t wanted me to win.
“I expect the worst on New Year’s Day, whoever I do play.”
The match proved far more challenging than the final scoreline suggested, with the former world champion Cross pushing Littler hard throughout their clash.
Cross, claimed the world title in 2018 but has since slipped to 17th in the rankings.
