Luke Humphries and Luke Littler have their trademark tops. (Image: Getty)
Signs, fancy dress, and exuberant player entrances – all are now a familiar sight when it comes to a night. The sixth tournament of the 2025 version takes place in Nottingham this Thursday, with leading the table from reigning champion .
While the remains the sport’s marquee event in terms of prestige, the Premier League is now undoubtedly generating huge interest. The clamour for tickets for all 17 meetings this year has been huge, and the atmosphere remains electric on a weekly basis. However, one thing you won’t see in the crowd is fans donning football shirts.
The same applies to the eight players involved. Chris Dobey is one new addition to the line-up this year and is set for an emotional homecoming when he plays in Newcastle on March 27.
A passionate fan of the Toon Army, Dobey has discussed his return on the channel. However, he dismissed the notion that he would be walking on stage in a black and white football shirt, even if they win this Sunday’s final with .
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Chris Dobey will play in front of a home crowd in Newcastle. (Image: Getty)
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“Can you play in Newcastle kit?” he was asked by the host. “No, you’re not allowed to do that,” Dobey replied. “There are no football kits allowed, unfortunately.
“Obviously, in case there’s any trouble in the crowd. And there were a lot of Sunderland fans there a couple of years ago. I remember getting booed a little bit, so no…”
Where to buy Luke Littler’s darts
Luke Littler is heading to the latter stages of the WDC, and you can emulate the 17-year-old with a set of his Target G1 Swiss Point darts for £99.95. You can also upgrade to the gold Prodigy darts for £129.95.
There is also a more affordable Loadout 90% Tungsten darts for £45.90. If you need something to throw them at, Amazon has reduced the Luke Littler Cabinet & Dartboard Set to £59.99.
The sanction applies to supporters, too. Indeed, Premier League tickets now carry a warning for fans who make their purchase not to turn up in football shirts, or they will be denied entry.
However, that’s not to say football rivalry isn’t still prevalent in the sport. In Liverpool last season, fan Littler was roundly booed on his way to the oche, and to mark Everton’s Merseyside derby win earlier that month.