Manchester, UK – In a stunning and disciplinary move that has sent shockwaves through the world of darts, the Premier League has banned rising superstar Luke Littler from competition for one year. The punishment stems from an incident following his night victory at the Premier League showpiece at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
The 19-year-old sensation, who has captivated audiences since his historic run to the World Championship final in January, was found to have committed “bringing the sport into disrepute” after making an explicit hand gesture while posing with the night’s trophy and a Manchester United shirt.
The controversy erupted immediately after Littler’s win. In celebratory photos circulating on social media, the teenager can be seen holding the trophy aloft with one hand while using the other to make a crude sign directed at the camera. The image spread rapidly online, drawing a mix of condemnation and bafflement from fans, pundits, and darts authorities.
In a strongly-worded statement released today, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), which operates the Premier League, confirmed the unprecedented ban.
“The Premier League and the PDC Board have conducted a thorough review of the incident involving Luke Littler at the conclusion of Night 15 in Manchester,” the statement read. “His actions, captured and widely disseminated, constitute a clear and unacceptable breach of our code of conduct. They fall well below the standards expected of a professional athlete representing the Premier League and the sport of darts globally. As a result, Mr. Littler is suspended from all Premier League Darts events with immediate effect for a period of one year.”
The ban rules Littler out of the remainder of this year’s Premier League season, where he is currently in playoff contention, and the first half of the 2025 campaign. He will also forfeit all ranking money and points earned from this year’s league. Littler is still permitted to compete in other PDC tournaments, such as upcoming ranked Players Championships and the World Matchplay, though further sanctions from the broader Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) are considered possible.
The reaction from the darts community has been one of profound disappointment. Sky Sports pundit and former champion Wayne Mardle stated, “It’s a devastating self-inflicted blow. Luke has the world at his feet, but with that platform comes responsibility. This is a harsh lesson, but the Premier League’s brand must be protected.”
Littler’s management team released a brief apology on Sunday, describing the gesture as a “moment of misguided high spirits” not intended for public broadcast. However, this has done little to mitigate the governing body’s response.
Fans have expressed divided opinions online. Some argue the punishment is overly severe for a teenager in a moment of jubilation, citing the often-rowdy nature of darts crowds. Others insist that as the sport’s new flagship star, Littler must be held to a higher standard, especially at a family-oriented event broadcast live on television.
The ban represents a dramatic halt to what has been a meteoric rise. Since his explosion onto the scene, Littler has enjoyed celebrity status, featuring in advertising campaigns and attracting a new, younger audience to darts. The PDC’s decision underscores its determination to distance the sport’s professional elite from behavior it deems damaging.
Luke Littler has seven days to appeal the decision. Whether he does so, or accepts what will be a defining year on the sidelines, remains to be seen. For now, the sport is left to reckon with the abrupt fall of its brightest young star.