Luke Littler says 'it's just banter' after being warned to 'calm down' on Liverpool jibes

Luke Littler maintained his blistering form with a victory over Joe Cullen to win the Austrian Open title in Graz.

The 17-year-old Premier League leader produced another top-drawer display as he swept past ‘The Rockstar’ 8-4 in the final, hitting four 180s with a match average of just over 102. It comes after Luke recently said he hopes he can become the next Eric Bristow after believing his Premier League victory in Liverpool was written in the stars.

The teenager overcame a hostile reception on Merseyside earlier in the week, where fans took objection to his social media goading of Liverpool’s recent struggles under Jurgen Klopp, to claim a third nightly victory and put himself on the brink of a play-off place at the O2 in London next month.

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It was Luke's first visit to the M&S Bank Arena since he went as a fan to watch in 2018 on the night Eric Bristow died of a heart attack after attending a VIP event at the venue. Eric Bristow, a five-time world champion, was the ultimate showman and Luke showed similar traits with the way he engaged with the crowd.

Asked whether he can become the next Eric Bristow, he said: “We’ll have to see in the years to come. The last time I was here that was the night Eric passed away. I was only 10 or 11.

“I was up in the stands with my friend. There’s a picture on my phone. It’s nice to win. The last time I was here he passed away, today it’s his birthday and I’ve won.

“Obviously, it helped me tonight, I knew what was coming my way and I enjoyed it. Eric, I watched a few of his games back and Wayne (Mardle) has always said Eric would loved to have watch me play."

Staunch Manchester United fan Luke had been warned to calm down by fellow competitors Michael Smith and Nathan Aspinall after poking fun at Liverpool fans after their quadruple hopes were dashed.

But Luke insists it is only “banter” and knows he has to take it as well as give it. He said: “It’s just banter and as a United fan you like to see Liverpool as rivals lose games.

“We’re not doing too well this season and they’re enjoying that. Obviously, I enjoyed the FA Cup win and them getting knocked out of the Europa League. It’s just all banter.

“There are United fans and I’ve got fans into darts maybe the two can connect and support me. If you give it you have to take it. And I’m sure if I did lose in Liverpool that would all be on social media but then I’ve just got to get on with the next one.”

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