Tottenham’s James Maddison is a darts fanatic (Photo: Twitter)
James Maddison aimed a cheeky dig at Arsenal after the Tottenham star was taunted during the World Darts Championship final.
The England international was at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night to watch Luke Humphries beat overnight sensation Luke Littler in a thrilling final.
16-year-old Littler took a 4-2 lead as he looked to finish his remarkable fairytale story, but Humphries proved why he is the World No.1, launching a stunning comeback to win 7-4.
Maddison is well known for his love of darts, with his signature goal celebration being to mime a dart throw, and the creative midfielder has been taking time to to enjoy his second favourite sport as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in early November.
He even invited Littler to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on New Year’s Eve to watch Spurs beat Bournemouth 3-1.
And the 27-year-old’s presence at Ally Pally also prompted a rather hilarious moment, as the crowd in unison began to jokingly taunt the player with chants of ‘Tottenham get battered, everywhere they go!’
Maddison saw the funny side, later holding up a sign in response that read: ‘North London is white! COYS [come on you Spurs]’.
It has been reported that the sign was later confiscated by security, as stewards at the World Darts Championship take a strict approach to messages that could be deemed offensive or trigger unrest.
Speaking to Sky News ahead of the final, Maddison said: ‘It’s a bit special this year with young Luke. I always love the darts, I’ve been the last few years but I’ve never been to the final.
I think the whole nation is tuning into this one because of Luke Littler.’
‘I had Luke as a guest in my box at the Tottenham game with Bournemouth on the weekend. He’s quite an assured young man but you have to remember he’s only 16 and there’s quite a lot of pressure on him.’
Away from the dartboard, Maddison is expected to return from injury later in January in what will be a good boost for Spurs who are fifth in the Premier League, a point behind arch-rivals Arsenal and six off leaders Liverpool.
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