Darts was plunged into controversy today after leaked CCTV footage emerged appearing to show world champion Luke Littler physically assaulting fellow professional Andrew Gilding. The incident allegedly occurred after Gilding publicly declared Phil Taylor as the undisputed Greatest of All Time (GOAT) – a statement that seemingly sparked a furious reaction from the 19-year-old star.
The footage, which has yet to be officially released but has been described by sources close to the PDC, is said to show a heated exchange between the two players escalating into a physical confrontation. While the exact details of the altercation remain unclear, the emergence of the video has sent shockwaves through the world of professional darts, raising questions about Littler’s temperament.
The incident allegedly stems from comments made by Gilding during a recent interview. With the debate over who holds the GOAT title intensifying, Gilding reportedly sided with the legendary Phil Taylor, a view that many in the sport hold. Taylor, with his 16 world titles, remains the standard by which all others are measured . In fact, Littler himself has repeatedly acknowledged Taylor’s supremacy, stating: “Phil Taylor will always be the best, unless I somehow win more than him” .
This is not the first time tensions have flared between the two players. Their rivalry has been marked by high-profile clashes. In the 2025 World Matchplay quarter-final, Littler secured a hard-fought 16-14 victory over Gilding, even hitting a record 18 maximums . However, Littler has also suffered defeats at Gilding’s hands, most notably crashing out of the 2024 European Championship in a first-round shock . On that occasion, frustration seemed to get the better of the teenager, who was seen sarcastically applauding himself and gesturing towards the crowd .
Gilding, nicknamed ‘Goldfinger’, has often been a nemesis for the young star due to his relentless style. After one of their epic battles, Littler even admitted that Gilding was like a “fly on the windscreen you can’t quite flick off,” highlighting the mental challenge the veteran poses .
However, this latest incident marks a significant escalation. If the footage is confirmed, it would represent a major disciplinary issue for the PDC. While Gilding is known for his unflappable demeanor and self-deprecating humor—admitting he was “concerned all the way through” during a match against the Nuke despite leading —he also has strong opinions on the GOAT debate.
The PDC has yet to release an official statement. Attempts to reach representatives for Littler and Gilding have been unsuccessful. The darts world now waits with bated breath to see the full footage and the subsequent fallout, which could have severe consequences for the reigning world champion.