Sky Sports targeted over Luke Littler darts final as MP makes statement | Other | Sport

The Liberal Democrats have demanded that Luke Littler’s World Darts Championship final against Luke Humphries be moved to free-to-air TV. A statement described the current arrangement, which sees Sky Sports broadcast the showpiece clash, as « scandalous » and called for the government to intervene.

Littler continued his astonishing run at Alexandra Palace by defeating 2018 world champion Rob Cross 6-2 in Tuesday’s first semi-final, setting up a clash with Humphries after the No. 3 seed whitewashed Scott Williams.

But many darts fans will be unable to watch what could be a momentous event in British sporting history if Littler lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy at the age of 16, as neither BBC nor ITV have the rights to the World Championship.

Liberal Democrat Culture & Sports Spokesperson Jamie Stone MP has called on Sky to « do the right thing » and share the rights of the final with the two national broadcasters, emulating other sports such as football and rugby.

Stone said in a statement: « The country is gripped by darts fever and the spectacle of a 16-year-old Brit becoming world champion. It would be scandalous for this historic game to be hidden away from millions of people. The final must be on free-to-air TV.

« If Football, Cricket and Rugby World Cup finals are free-to-air, then so should darts. Sky Sports should do the right thing and share coverage with the likes of the BBC or ITV. Ministers have the power to put pressure on them. »

Stone, who represents the constituents of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross in Scotland, previously accused the government of « snobbery » by not sending a representative to cheer on Littler in his semi-final victory.