Darts star accused of 'disrespectful' behaviour towards Luke Littler

Darts star James Wade has been labelled as "disrespectful" after refusing to stay on stage in the aftermath of his World Matchplay final defeat to Luke Littler last Sunday. Littler won the match 18-13 to become the youngest champion in the competition's history.

Wade reached the World Matchplay final after overcoming Joe Cullen, Wessel Nijman, Gian van Veen and Jonny Clayton in the earlier rounds. And the 42-year-old was on course to pull off a huge shock against his teenage opponent as he eased into a 5-0 lead. But Littler hit back to ultimately lift the trophy.

Although there was no formal obligation for the runner-up to remain on stage, it is customary for a defeated finalist to stay in position, congratulate their opponent and face the cameras for a short interview.

But Wade made a swift exit as Littler was left to hog the spotlight on his own.

And Sky Sports duo Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy took aim at Wade following his actions in Blackpool.

"I got it clarified that there was no issues with Luke or the crowd or anything like that," Bridge explained on the Love the Darts podcast. "He was just angry at himself, which is fine, but we would have liked to have heard from him."

And Murphy added: "I thought it was disrespectful for him not to be on the stage at the end.

"Whether he does an interview or not is up to him, but not to be there when Luke is receiving the trophy, that is disrespectful. Just stand there for a minute and applaud, and then say, 'I don't want to talk.'"

Littler was quizzed by Sky Sports reporter Polly James after completing his comeback against Wade.

And the talented star explained: "I am just so happy, I think they (my parents and girlfriend) had been a bit nervous this past week and I have definitely put them through it in training and in games. But I am very happy to spend a long 10 days in Blackpool and I have come through victorious."

He then added: "I came here last year and lost in the first round. Some people might have thought I might lose again, but I pulled myself out and got these opportunities and I don't want to be 5-0 down again.

"Since I started, I always said to myself, as long as I win one of every Major then I'll be happy. I've only got a few left to tick off but I'll chase the Majors I haven't won yet."