The world of professional darts has been plunged into a bitter controversy following explosive comments from world number three, Nathan Aspinall. The two-time major champion has publicly called for a ban of “five years or more” to be imposed on teenage sensation Luke Littler if allegations of cheating, currently swirling in the sport’s underground, are proven true.
The demand, made in an impassioned interview with The Darts Podcast, marks the first time a top-ranked player has directly addressed the rumours that have shadowed Littler’s meteoric rise over the past six months.
“I’ll be straight about it,” Aspinall stated. “What Luke has done, coming in and capturing the world’s attention, is phenomenal for darts. But this is our profession. It’s about integrity. If these whispers about foul play – whether it’s tampered equipment, outside interference, anything – are true, then the punishment has to be severe. A five-year ban minimum, maybe more. You have to protect the sport.”
Aspinall did not specify the exact nature of the alleged cheating, nor present evidence, insisting it was the job of the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) to investigate. His comments instead focus on the potential punishment, framing it as a necessary deterrent.
The allegations themselves remain unsubstantiated and largely confined to online forums and murky gossip. They appear to stem from a combination of Littler’s unprecedented success, his unorthodox, rapid-fire playing style, and the natural skepticism that can accompany a sudden dominance. No formal complaint has been lodged with the DRA.
Littler’s Camp Issues Furious Rebuttal
Littler’s management team responded with fierce indignation. In a statement released to the press, they called Aspinall’s comments “irresponsible and deeply damaging.”
“Luke Littler has achieved his success through nothing but immense talent, dedication, and hard work. These baseless allegations are a smear campaign motivated by jealousy, plain and simple,” the statement read. “To call for a career-ending ban based on internet gossip is beyond the pale. We are exploring all legal options.”
The 19-year-old phenom, who skyrocketed to fame by reaching the World Championship final in January and has since claimed multiple titles, has not yet commented personally.
Governing Body Urges Calm, Promises Vigilance
The DRA, darts’ governing disciplinary body, issued a brief response: “The DRA maintains the highest standards of integrity. Any formal allegation brought before us will be investigated thoroughly and judiciously under our rules. We do not comment on speculation.”
Other players have been hesitant to wade into the fray. Current world champion Luke Humphries said only that “the process should be allowed to run its course,” while veteran Raymond van Barneveld appealed for unity, tweeting: “Let’s not destroy what we’ve all built. Innocent until proven guilty.”
A Sport at a Crossroads
The incident highlights the intense pressures and jealousies within modern darts. Littler’s fame and financial success have disrupted the established hierarchy, creating palpable tension. Aspinall’s intervention, whether viewed as a principled stand or a reckless escalation, has brought that tension to a boiling point.
The demand for a five-year ban—a sentence that would effectively halt the career of the sport’s biggest star—is seen by many as a nuclear option. It ensures that, regardless of the truth, the shadow of doubt will now hang over every Littler victory and every unexpected defeat of his rivals.
For now, the darting world holds its breath. The DRA faces immense pressure to either swiftly investigate the rumours or publicly clear Littler’s name. One thing is certain: the oche, usually a stage for sporting brilliance, has become a battleground for darts’ soul.