A bitter war of words has erupted in the darts world, with former World Champion Gerwyn Price demanding the immediate removal of Luke Littler’s commemorative mural in Warrington, branding the teenage star a “cheater” following his devastating 18–9 defeat in the World Championship final.
The incendiary comments come just 48 hours after the 19-year-old Littler dismantled Price on the sport’s biggest stage, securing his first world title in a performance widely hailed as one of the greatest in PDC history. However, Price has refused to accept the result gracefully, instead reigniting a feud over on-stage conduct that has simmered between the pair for months.
“It’s a disgrace,” Price fumed in a post-match interview. “A cheater doesn’t deserve a mural. Why is there a massive picture of him in Warrington town centre when he should be banned? I’m calling for the council to take it down immediately. It sets a terrible example for the kids.”
The “cheating” allegation appears to stem from Littler’s rapid style of play and a contentious incident in the semi-finals where the teenager retrieved his own darts from the board before the referee had officially called the score—a breach of protocol that Price believes constitutes gamesmanship.
“I’ve worked too hard to lose to someone who doesn’t respect the rules,” Price continued, visibly agitated. “You see him looking at the board while I’m throwing, stepping out of turn. The PDC need to grow a spine. That mural is a monument to bad sportsmanship, and I want it gone.”
The mural in question, a vibrant 20-foot piece of street art located near Warrington Market, was commissioned by the local council to celebrate Littler’s meteoric rise and his status as the town’s first major darts world champion. It has quickly become a popular tourist attraction, drawing fans from across the UK.
Warrington Borough Council has declined to comment directly on Price’s outburst, though a spokesperson issued a brief statement: “We are immensely proud of Luke Littler’s achievements and the positive impact he has had on our community. The mural stands as a celebration of local talent and dedication.”
The darts community has largely rallied behind Littler, with pundits branding Price’s outburst as “sour grapes.” Former professional Wayne Mardle took to social media to defend the champion, stating: “Luke won fair and square. He beat the best in the world. If anyone doesn’t deserve a mural, it’s the guy who just threw his toys out of the pram after a 9-point drubbing.”
Littler, who has remained largely silent on social media since his victory, offered a brief, stoic response when approached by reporters: “I just throw my darts. The scoreboard doesn’t lie. He can say what he wants—I’ve got the trophy.”
As calls for the mural’s removal grow louder from the Welshman, the debate has shifted from a personal squabble to a broader conversation about sportsmanship, generational rivalry, and whether a title victory can ever truly silence a bitter opponent. For now, the mural remains—and the 18–9 scoreline remains carved into the history books, with or without Gerwyn Price’s approval.