Luke Littler 't**s up' warning sent by Gary Anderson as darts icon predicts media downfall
Gary Anderson has called out the press for their coverage of teenage darts sensation Luke Littler at the World Championship.
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler admits he is not a fan of media attention
Darts icon Gary Anderson has insisted that the media will be at fault if it goes "t*** up" for Luke Littler over the pressure he is being put under at the World Championship. The 16-year-old faces Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday evening for a place in the quarter-finals and has been the story of the tournament, documented in depth by many major news outlets
But speaking after his 4-1 win over Croatian star Boris Krcmar on Friday, Anderson hit out at the media during his post-match press conference for their reporting on Littler - who has quickly become a household name after his stunning displays at Alexandra Palace this month.
The 53-year-old believes that too much pressure and attention has been heaped onto young players in recent years, pointing out Josh Rock who Anderson claims was knocked back "two to three years" because of the media.
Anderson spoke at length about Littler and explained: “See this now, because with another youngster called Josh Rock. All you press and everything else have absolutely destroyed (Rock). So if it ever goes t*** up give yourselves a pat on the back because that’s the way it’s going.
JUST IN Gerwyn Price conqueror Dolan rubs salt in the wounds after Ally Pally win [REACTION]
“Let the boy play darts. I’ve been downstairs today and he’s had cameras, Zoom calls, Sky, let the boy play darts. He’s had a great two minutes, he’s played well, what happens if it all goes peacock now? Well you boys have ruined that haven't you? Let the boy play darts, he’s 16 years old and playing well, just like Josh Rock. Fantastic player, but you have knocked him back about two to three years.”
Littler has already been forced to release a statement on social media clarifying his position after a recent photo was taken and included in a newspaper article.
Don't miss...
Luke Littler sends forgotten Man Utd star a message at World Darts Championship [SPOTTED]
Littler received Man Utd gift as star keen to show Ten Hag 'how to win a trophy' [LATEST]
Littler plans to treat 'all my friends' with adorable gesture after mega payout [INTERVIEW]
Strong words from Gary Anderson on Littler pic.twitter.com/hSfBmCAVBZ
— DartsAnonymous (@anonymous_darts) December 29, 2023
His statement read: "Today a photograph of me holding up a newspaper has been published in the media. The media attention I have been getting is very new to me and I didn't fully understand at the time what I was being asked to do.
"In no way do I endorse that newspaper or the headline which accompanied the article and I sincerely apologise for any offence this has caused. I'm focusing now on my next match with Barney and would like to thank everyone for their amazing support."
Young Scottish player Rock took Alexandra Palace by storm last year by reaching the last 16 on his debut, but this month exited in the second round to Berry van Peer.