Darts Crowd Behaviour Criticised After Luke Littler Match
The darts crowd’s behaviour at the Bahrain Darts Masters has come under scrutiny as numerous fans walked out following Luke Littler’s match against Lourence Ilagan. Littler, the reigning world champion, secured a hard-fought 6-3 victory over his opponent from the Philippines, progressing to the next round. Despite the event drawing a substantial crowd at the Bahrain International Circuit, a significant number of attendees chose to leave after Littler’s game, leading to visible empty seats that were captured on TV during subsequent matches. This mass exodus sparked disappointment among spectators, who contrasted the lacklustre atmosphere in Bahrain with the vibrant energy seen at the recent World Darts Championship.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were abuzz with criticism, with users expressing their dismay over the subdued crowd at the Bahrain event. @PaulAmos74 labelled the crowd as “embarrassing,” while @Suzuyaa24 lamented the shift from the lively World Championship crowd to the Bahrain audience, calling it “depressing.” @ACWDarts and @SophFigueira95 also chimed in, expressing their disappointment at the lack of enthusiasm among the spectators. The subdued response wasn’t limited to the audience, as even Nathan Aspinall’s popular walk-on failed to ignite the same excitement in Bahrain as it typically does in front of larger crowds, as noted by @hoppo07 and @PatBuckingham on Twitter.
During Littler’s match with Ilagan, the audience’s behaviour became disruptive, with persistent whistling prompting darts legend and announcer Russ Bray to intervene multiple times to restore order. ITV’s broadcast captured these challenges, highlighting the disruptions faced during the game. However, as the match progressed, the disturbances subsided, allowing Littler to mount a successful comeback and secure a spot in the quarter-finals, where he is set to face Gerwyn Price. Reflecting on his aspirations post-match, Littler shared his ambitions, stating, “It would mean the world to come back and retain it as the world champion. I’ve already started 2025 on a high, but winning two tournaments this month would be incredible.”
The incident at the Bahrain Darts Masters shines a light on the importance of maintaining a respectful and engaged audience at sporting events. The contrasting reactions between the enthusiastic crowds at the World Darts Championship and the lacklustre response in Bahrain underscore the significant role fans play in creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for players and viewers alike. Moving forward, organisers may consider strategies to enhance audience engagement and ensure a positive experience for all attendees at future events.
In conclusion, the fallout from the darts crowd’s behaviour at the Bahrain Darts Masters serves as a reminder of the impact fans have on the overall atmosphere of sporting events. Luke Littler’s victory, marred by disruptive audience behaviour and mass walkouts, highlights the need for a supportive and engaged crowd to enhance the sporting experience. As the competition continues, the focus remains on maintaining a respectful and enthusiastic audience to create a conducive environment for players to showcase their skills and entertain fans worldwide.
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