Michael van Gerwen has criticised both Luke Littler and the PDC after the World Champion slept in and arrived late for the media day ahead of the opening night of the 2025 Premier League Darts.
Luke Littler will begin his defence of the Premier League title tonight, as he’s drawn against seven-time winner of the competition Michael van Gerwen.
Littler made history in 2024 as he became the youngest winner of the Premier League after topping the group stage AND winning Finals Night.
See more – Luke Littler wins 2024 Premier League
Since then, he has gone on to win several more titles, became the 2025 World Darts Championship winner and sits second in the PDC Order of Merit.
He’s the favourite to retain his title this year but ahead of the opening night, Littler slept in and arrived 45 minutes late for media day it was reported.
Michael van Gerwen, considered to be a model professional by many, didn’t hesitate in making his feelings clear on ‘unprofessional’ behavior…
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Michael van Gerwen says “Stop Treating Him Like a Baby”
Whether you like Michael van Gerwen or not, he does conduct himself well as a professional sportsman.
Mostly 👀
When the media asked about his opponent being late for media day, MVG was critical of both the behaviour and of darting officials. He said:
“45 minutes late, you mean. [after a reporter said 25 minutes late].” Van Gerwen replied with a playful smirk.
“They [PDC] need to stop treating him as a baby, yeah? He’s not a baby any more. He’s 18 years old now.
“It happens. He has to learn, but he needs to learn the hard way. It’s a professional sport so you have to be responsible for your actions as well, simple as that.
“If he turns up late for an interview, I don’t really mind, but now, seven other people are waiting for him.
“That’s not really nice, is it? But, it is what it is.”
Michael van Gerwen gives a bit of advice to Luke Littler after he turned up late
— Darts Now (@DartsNow_) February 6, 2025
"They need to stop treating him like a baby. He's not a baby anymore he's 18.
"He has to learn, it's a professional sport so you have to be responsible for your actions." pic.twitter.com/e39sp5e5lQ
He was smiling throughout his response so this wasn’t a sly comment aimed at his next opponent, it seemed like genuine advice from a senior player and also an effort to hold the PDC accountable.
Luke Littler is on his way to stardom and it’s unlikely players want his actions to undermine the sport while it’s in such a huge growth phase.
Let’s just hope the reason doesn’t come out that he was late because he was playing Fifa all night though…
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