Luke Littler attended the exhilarating 4-4 draw between Manchester United and Bournemouth alongside his girlfriend, Faith Millar, continuing to embrace his passion for football despite recent criticism. The darts champion was initially under fire for attending United’s away match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, an outing that sparked debate among fans regarding ticket eligibility.
Following his victory over Darius Labanauskas on the opening day of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 11, 2023, Littler found himself in the spotlight once more. He is set to face David Davies in the second round on December 21 after Davies secured a 3-1 win over Mario Vandenbogaerde.
Littler’s presence in the away section during United’s 4-1 victory at Wolves raised eyebrows due to the club’s strict ticket allocation rules. To qualify for away tickets, fans must hold a season ticket for a minimum of three years and attend every home match, including cup games. Littler, who travels frequently for darts competitions, does not meet this criterion. Reports indicate that he received tickets through Adidas, the club’s kit supplier, which allocates a limited number of tickets each season for promotional purposes.
At Old Trafford, Littler and Millar witnessed a dramatic match that not only provided entertainment but also showcased the resilience of both teams. United initially led 2-1 at halftime due to goals from Amad Diallo and Casemiro. However, Bournemouth quickly equalized after the break, breaking United’s long-standing record of not losing at home when ahead.
The match featured a series of remarkable plays, including a stunning free-kick from Bruno Fernandes that temporarily put United back in front, and a goal from Matheus Cunha that seemed to seal the game. Yet, the young United defense faltered late in the match, allowing Eli Junior Kroupi to score an equalizer in the 84th minute, leading to a dramatic finish where both teams sought a late winner.
Following the Wolves incident, Littler took to Instagram to address the criticism surrounding his attendance. He expressed his frustration with the backlash, stating, “I mean everyone just jumps on everything. They don’t know anything.” He clarified that he had received the tickets from Adidas and wanted to express his gratitude publicly.
Littler’s attendance at the Manchester United matches underscores his dual commitment to both darts and football. As the World Darts Championship progresses, fans will continue to watch his performance on the oche while also following his endeavors as a passionate supporter of the Red Devils.
