Luke Littler’s family claims hurtful jibes over dart ace’s age ‘spread by jealous parents trying to put him off’
LUKE Littler’s family have claimed hurtful jibes over his age have been spread by “jealous parents” trying to put him off.
The young sensation, 16, could become the youngest PDC championship winner ever with victory over Luke Humphries tonight.
But he has faced a barrage of abuse since embarking on his mesmerising march to the world final at Ally Pally.
With his large frame, full beard, and incredible ability, trolls have insisted he’s nearer 40 than 16.
But his loyal family yesterday set the record straight – revealing green-eyed mums and dads of his peers lied about his age.
Leanne Seddon, Luke’s mum’s cousin, said: “Some years ago when he was winning everything, other parents of young players started a rumour he was lying about his age.
“To enter a competition you have to give proof of age, but that didn’t stop them.
“It was pure jealousy and nastiness by adults attacking a young teenager on social media. To stop the hate his parents posted proof of his age back then.
“And yes again there are some who are saying they seriously think he’s lying.
“Whether they really believe that or not I don’t know. Some just like to say outlandish stuff on social media for attention, a laugh, or to cause trouble or hate.”
It comes as an image of his birth certificate has emerged on social media – and confirms the superstar’s astonishing age.
It shows Luke was born on January 21, 2007 in North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust Warrington.
Luke’s age riddle has sparked swathes of comment, with one online fan insisting he, “looks like he’s in his 30s and has 4 weans and drives a battered Vauxhall Insignia.”
Walking out for his first round match against Christian Kist at Ally Pally, fans told of their disbelief that he was only 16.
And as his profile has grown, viewers have become increasingly suspicious, with former Soccer AM host Andy Goldstein admitting he had made a bet about the prodigy’s ‘real age’.
Interviewing Luke on Talksport, Goldstein confessed he had bet a colleague that the teenager was actually far older than he’d said – but the sports star threw back the perfect response.
“You’ve had a bet?,” Luke asked the presenter. “You’ve lost your money there because I’m 16.”
He then added: “I’d say I’ve had the beard for a good two years now.”
A copy of Luke’s birth certificate has even been leaked online, with TalkTV adding the caption: “Proof he really is a wonderkid.” The document shows that he was born in North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust Warrington on January 21, 2007, making him nearly 17 years old.
The bubbly ace will become the youngest ever darts world champion if he beats Luke Humphries in the final, with victory not only securing him the Sid Waddell Trophy but also a cool £500,000.
Luke plans to spend his winnings by taking his pals to Blackpool or Alton Towers.
“All my friends are watching at home,” he said. “We’ve always said we need to go Blackpool or Alton Towers so I think they will be looking at me like ‘you’re paying, Luke’ and I’ll be like “yeah, OK!”‘
He may also put the money towards driving lessons in time for his 17th birthday as he revealed that he would “love to start driving” so his dad doesn’t have to keep ferrying him to tournaments.
The kebab-loving chucker won his semi-final against Rob Cross 6-2 to become the youngest ever PDC finalist. He said: “It’s crazy. I was happy winning one game, now I could go all the way.”
Up to three million viewers are now expected to watch his ultimate showdown for global glory.
Luke ‘The Nuke’ has already pocketed £200,000 in prize money following his dazzling displays. That’s enough to buy 28,500 of his favourite celebratory snack – a doner kebab with lettuce and mayo.
He has been on a fairytale run that has seen him beat childhood heroes including Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld. He will be cheered on again by his parents Antony and Lisa – as well as 300,000 fans now following him on Instagram.
They include West Ham and England star Jarrod Bowen. Luke has already been invited to watch Spurs by James Maddison, and posed for snaps with Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Another supporter of the Manchester United nut is his girlfriend of six weeks, 21-year-old Eloise Milburn, from Hersham, Surrey. She plays for her county’s women’s team and was introduced by a pal – but has been accused of being a gold-digger by online trolls.
Luke was a 150-1 outsider before the tournament – but is now odds on.
It comes as his girlfriend’s mum also hit back at “money grabber” comments made about the five-year age gap between Luke and her daughter.
Meanwhile, Luke’s brother revealed how the wonderkid has already started giving back to his community following his success.