Luke Littler supported Newcastle United as 18 y/o makes confession after silencing Utilita crowd
Luke Littler got the Tyneside boo boys on his side after declaring he supported Newcastle United against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
A year ago, the Newcastle crowd gave Littler a hostile reception as he crashed out against Michael van Gerwen in the semi-final. Darts fans across the country were miffed by the backlash, with the young prodigy only recently becoming a household name.
However, previous social media posts showed Littler poking fun at the Magpies after they crashed out of the Champions League to AC Milan - a possible explanation for the antagonistic welcome. Fast forward to the present and the 18-year-old - crowned world champions in January - returned with a vengeance.
He swept aside Stephen Bunting, Rob Cross and world No.1 Luke Humphries to clinch his fourth Premier League win from eight weeks of action. The crowd at the Utilita began supporting Littler - a lifelong Manchester United fan - when he made a startling confession.
Click here to join NewcastleWorld's dedicated NUFC WhatsApp channel for news videos and voice notes. CLICK THE FOR NOTIFICATIONS.
"I watched the (Carabao Cup) final, it was good," Littler said. "Obviously as a (Man) United fan you never want Liverpool or Man City winning!"
Littler is now gunning for the world No.1 spot - with many believing he deserves the recognition. Choosing to stay humble, the teenage sensation downplayed a shift in the rankings.
"I never really say I'm the best in the world but I'm performing better than these guys so maybe I should say I am,” he added. “For myself, when I'm playing certain players, I know when I've got them!
“It's darts. It's a strange old game, anyone can turn up and hit the 105, 110 averages. As a player, you should always be playing against the board. When I'm playing like I am now, they are playing me."
Newcastle United trio spotted enjoying Premier League darts at Utilita Arena
Littler stole the show in front of a jam-packed Newcastle crowd that featured the likes of Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes. The Toon trio were seen in public for the first time since etching their names into St James' Park folklore on March 16.
Burn famously cut his Wembley celebrations short despite becoming a Toon legend for his first-half opener. England boss Thomas Tuchel named the Blyth native in his first squad - and handed him an international debut against Albania.
A raucous cheer echoed around Tyneside when the Newcastle players were shown on the big screen. Barnes - who starred in place of the suspended Anthony Gordon at Wembley - was seen holding up a sign promoting Burn’s new Instagram account.