Van Veen withdrawn from Premier League Darts after Manchester bust-up with Littler

Dutch darts star Danny Noppert has been forced to withdraw from the Premier League Darts following a heated altercation with Luke Littler in Manchester, as tournament organizers take a firm stance on player conduct.

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The incident occurred during last Wednesday's league night at the AO Arena, where Noppert - competing under his new moniker 'The Freeze' - allegedly confronted Littler after a controversial finish in their match. Witnesses report the confrontation became physical, requiring intervention from security personnel.

In a statement released Sunday morning, the PDC confirmed Noppert's withdrawal: "Following an internal review of the incident in Manchester, Danny Noppert has been withdrawn from the remainder of the Premier League season. Player welfare and conduct standards are paramount."

Littler, speaking after his victory over Humphries in Liverpool, addressed the situation briefly. "I've not spoken to Danny since Manchester. What happened there is between us, but I've moved on and I'm focused on winning this competition."

The withdrawal leaves the tournament with seven competitors for the remaining three nights, with points accrued by Noppert still counting toward the standings. His removal opens the door for Callan Rydz or another reserve to potentially enter the fray.

Former world championship finalist Andy Hamilton expressed concern about the implications. "These leagues are fiercely competitive, but there's no excuse for physical confrontation. Both players have responsibilities to the sport's image."

Noppert, who reached the Premier League semi-finals in 2023, has not yet publicly commented on the withdrawal or the circumstances leading to his removal from the tournament.