LONDON – In a dramatic and highly sensitive hearing that has sent shockwaves through the world of professional darts, former World Champion Rob Cross appeared before the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Disciplinary Committee today to testify against teenage sensation Luke Littler.
The closed-door hearing, convened to address an undisclosed breach of PDC rules by the 19-year-old prodigy, took a stunning turn when Cross, known as “Voltage,” reportedly advocated for a substantial three-year ban from the sport if Littler is found guilty.
The precise nature of Littler’s alleged transgression has not been officially released by the PDC, with the governing body citing the integrity of the ongoing disciplinary process. However, sources close to the proceedings suggest the charge relates to a serious breach of player conduct, though it stops short of match-fixing allegations which would involve separate sporting bodies.
Cross, the 2018 World Champion, arrived at the PDC headquarters in central London looking somber. His testimony, described by insiders as “measured but firm,” is believed to have detailed incidents that he feels compromise the professional standards of the sport.
According to a source present, when asked by the committee for his perspective on a potential sanction should Littler be found in violation of the rules, Cross did not mince words.
“Rob was respectful but very clear,” the source said. “He spoke about the responsibility that comes with being on the professional circuit, the sacrifices made by everyone on the tour, and the duty to protect the game’s integrity. When the question of a penalty was raised, he proposed that to send a strong message and allow for genuine reflection and development, a three-year suspension would be the appropriate course of action.”
The proposed ban has stunned the darts community. Littler, who only burst onto the global scene with his fairytale run to the World Championship final earlier this year, has been hailed as the sport’s next generational talent. His charisma and skill have brought a new wave of fans to darts, and a three-year ban at this critical juncture would be a catastrophic blow to his career and a major shock to the PDC’s marketing and broadcast plans.
The news has divided opinion among players and pundits. Some see Cross’s stance as a principled, if harsh, defense of the sport’s standards, while others view it as unnecessarily punitive towards a young man at the start of his career.
Former professional and current Sky Sports analyst Wayne Mardle expressed his dismay on social media. “A 3-year ban for a 17-year-old? That’s not a sanction, that’s a career-ender. Whatever the misdemeanour, rehabilitation and education must be part of this. The boy is a huge asset to darts, but more importantly, he’s a kid. This seems extraordinarily heavy-handed.”
Others have rallied to Cross’s side, arguing that the rules must apply equally to all players, regardless of age or marketability. “Rob is one of the most respected players on the tour,” said a fellow professional who wished to remain anonymous. “He’s seen people work their whole lives for a fraction of the attention Luke has gotten. If Luke has crossed a serious line, a strong penalty is needed to show that no one is above the rules.”
Luke Littler arrived at the hearing with his manager and legal representatives. He did not speak to the gathered media, offering only a brief shake of his head as he entered the building. His representatives have maintained that he will cooperate fully with the investigation.
The three-man disciplinary panel, comprising a PDC board member, an independent legal chair, and a former player representative, is now tasked with weighing the evidence presented, including Cross’s testimony and Littler’s response.
A verdict and any subsequent sanction are not expected to be announced until later this week. The outcome will not only determine the immediate future of Luke Littler but will also set a powerful precedent regarding conduct and accountability within the sport. For now, the world of darts holds its breath, waiting to see if one of its brightest stars is about to have his light extinguished before it could truly shine.