Humphries receives backlash for gushing Sunak reply after World Championship win

04 January 2024 , 11:11

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Humphries receives backlash for gushing Sunak reply after World Championship win

Luke Humphries has been criticised on social media after he thanked Rishi Sunak for acknowledging his World Darts Championship success.

The 28-year-old kept up his sensational momentum at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night as he halted teenage sensation Luke Littler, who had been tipped to go all the way on his debut. Humphries though produced a stellar showing to win 7-4.

That included five sets on the bounce which saw him turn the game around and pocket the £500,000 winning prize and cement his status as the World No.1. It brought praise from those in darts and casual viewers - with the Prime Minister among those to message him.

Sunak said on Twitter : "Congratulations Luke, a great win tonight. What an incredible final to end a historic championship. I know that @lukeh180 and @LukeTheNuke180 will be leading the sport for years to come."

Humphries replied to the Conservative Party leader: "Thank you @RishiSunak - to be part of the event and to win the World Championship. It is hard to put into words how I feel at this moment, but a truly amazing feeling which I shall never forget and the unbelievable support I have received will stay with me forever."

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Sunak has remained a divisive figure, particularly since moving into No.10. He and the Tories have been in power for over a decade but aspects of their leadership since winning a majority in the 2019 election has made them very unpopular with large chunks of the country.

Luke Humphries' decision to engage with Rishi Sunak in social media has angered a lot of fans (Getty Images)

Humphries' decision to engage with the Prime Minister has seen some fans, many whom had watched darts for the first time, change their opinion of the world champion. One said: "Shame you’ve just gone and thanked a man who his party & himself have brought this country to its knees. Poor judgement that, really poor."

Another added: "Darts is a working class game, and Rishi Sunak is as far away from working class as you can get . Nuclear heat incoming, well done." Other fans showed their displeasure by saying: "I was so so pleased for you tonight, but please say you haven't just responded to him, such a shame, completely ruined it."

More felt as though Sunak was engaging in the sport to endorse his popularity, citing Humphries reply as a massive mistake. One said: "Oh no what a downer this is. I was so pleased for Luke but it’s obvious Sunak is doing what he is for relevance and votes. Massive error of judgment this".

Samuel Meade