Fuming Luke Littler claims other darts players treated different after he was refused entry

It has been already been a strange week for Luke Littler after the teenage darts icon was refused entry to a Players Championship event for being late

Luke Littler has accused Players Championship organisers of treating him differently to other darts rivals. Littler, 18, was blocked from competing at Players Championship 33 in Wigan after he turned up late for registration.

The reigning World Champion was due to compete in the penultimate PC event before next month’s finals at Minehead. However, as a result of traffic congestion, Littler missed the 11am registration deadline and had to forfeit his place in the event, which saw darts prodigy Charlie Manby take his place.

Fortunately for the World No. 2, he had already accrued enough points to book his place in the finals. He did return to the Robin Park Tennis Centre for Players Championship 34.

READ MORE: Luke Littler offers sympathies after tragic car incident leads to him missing tournamentREAD MORE: Luke Littler refused entry at darts tournament after missing strict deadline

After the competition, he uploaded a story on his Instagram page, claiming other players have been allowed to compete in events, despite turning up late. He wrote: “Not the best day today but played some decent stuff.

“But really glad to hear from a few of the other players that people have been let in almost half an hour late for a pro tour, but I can’t be two minutes late. Says a lot. One rule for one and one for another.”

Littler overcame Jamai van den Herick and Cameron Crabtree, but lost to Canadian player Matt Campbell in the last 16. It has been a frustrating week for the teenager.

As well as being barred from entry earlier this week, he saw his bid to win the European Championship end in the quarter-finals. He lost to fellow British darts legend James Wade 10-7 in their clash in Germany.

He convincingly beat Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 in his first match, but could not rediscover the same ruthlessness when pitted against the Machine. After he was not allowed to play in Wigan, Littler instead took himself for a Chinese meal with his family and friends.

The Warrington born star also uploaded a screengrab from a news story detailing, what appeared to be, the very incident which caused the traffic jam he was stuck in. A man died in what was described by police as a “serious incident” on the M6 in Wigan.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded to a concern for welfare between junction 25 heading towards the Bryn Interchange and junction 26 leading to Orrell/M58 at around 10.15am.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: “Around 10.15am this morning, we were called to a concern for welfare report on the M6 between junctions 25 and 26.

“Sadly, a man was pronounced dead at the scene. A scene will remain in place while inquiries are ongoing.”

Littler released another post on his Instagram story offering his heartfelt sympathies to those affected. He wrote: “Missed registration today for the pro tour, but someone sadly lost their life thinking of everyone.”