Sport

Luke Littler offered free kebabs for life if he wins the 2024 World Darts Championship

Please let this happen. That post-final kebab order is going to be like a Henry VIII-esque banquet.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 2nd January 2024

The UK and sporting world at large are currently being captivated by the fairytale story that is Luke Littler’s arrival at the World Darts Championship, and after going viral with his post-victory meal earlier in the tournament, a kebab house is offering him free kebabs for life he wins the whole thing.

Now these are the kind of stories we want to kick off the year with.

The 16-year-old darts sensation became the youngest player in history to reach the semi-finals of the Worlds, netting a cool £100,000 for himself in the process (not too shabby for a teenager), and is now a genuine heavy favourite to win his first ever PDC major on debut.

After telling Sky Sports that he planned on treating himself to “a kebab and a Coke” after his first wins, he delighted fans by sharing a simple but wholesome post of him doing just that at a London kebab house and, if he keeps on the way he’s going, he might never have to pay the pleasure ever again.

In a funny little twist and form of motivation from the world-famous chain and Britain’s biggest kebab shop, Kebhouze, their London site on Oxford Street has promised to give Littler free kebabs for life if wins the 2023 World Darts Championship final on Wednesday, 3 January.

The steaks (see what we did there?) have never been higher.

While he has occasionally switched things up with the likes of McDonald’s and revealed that he’s been treating himself to the post-match fast food tradition ever since he started playing darts “non-stop” from the age of 18, a doner wrap with nothing more than lettuce and mayo is his go-to.

Maybe it’s the humble, working-class relatability of it all, but it’s a running joke that hasn’t just been amusing fans and newbies to the sport alike but he’s been more than happy to lean into as he continues to take to the Ally Pally stage like a duck to water. The meme world has certainly appreciated it too.

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Speaking on the tantalising offer that the Cheshire teen simply couldn’t refuse if he tried, Kebhouze’s Chief Marketing Officer Giulio Paternò told the Daily Star, “After hearing that Luke loves nothing more than a kebab to celebrate a win, we had to make him an offer that would further encourage the 16-year-old master player to win at this year’s PDC World Darts Championship”.

“Hopefully knowing that a lifetime supply of our premium kebabs as well as the esteemed title are just on the other side will give him more ammo to go on and win the Championship at Ally Pally. We wish Luke the best of luck – the next one is on us!”

Absolutely mint. With just two games between him and a first major title in his maiden World Championship (and kebab heaven, of course), having already wiped the floor with multiple senior and talented opponents with more pedigree to their name, we’re all starting to believe he can do it.

The Warrington teen faces Rob Cross, who also won the tournament on debut at 28 back in 2018, on Tuesday at 7:30pm, where he’ll make even more history if he manages to secure a place in the final two the following day and will play either Scott Williams or Luke Humphries for the Sid Waddell trophy.

When it comes to seeing how this spectacular story is going to end, we’re hungrier than Luke after a tense five-set quarter-final.

Luke Littler is bringing a whole new generation of fans to the world of darts — and he’s still only 16
Imagine if he wins the lot. The kebab order will be obscene.

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Featured Images — Luke Littler (via Instagram)/Live Darts (via X)/The Manc Group

Sport

Salford Red Devils supporters group outline plans for the next major protest march

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Salford Red Devils supporters trust, The 1873, have outlined details of their next major march in protest over the club’s well-publicised ownership troubles and financial crisis.

The fan group, which has mobilised on multiple occasions already this year, is set to hit the streets once again this month and in larger numbers than ever, confirming another big demonstration before their next home game this weekend.

Sharing the update with fellow Red Devils on social media, 1837 leaders are demanding “truth and accountability from the top” ahead of the peaceful protest through Salford.

They have dubbed the event ‘The Last Rally’, but we can only assume there’ll be more fan action as the weeks and possibly months of uncertainty continue.

As you can see, The 1837 are calling for like-minded supporters to rally outside another nearby amateur rugby league football team, Salford City Roosters, before marching on to a second meeting point and, ultimately, the Salford Community Stadium.

Starting in Eccles, with a stop at Barley Farm, before arriving at their club’s home ground in Barton-upon-Irwell, the plan is to gather as much awareness, support and local attention as possible.

Writing in the caption of the above post, they added: “We’ve dominated headlines. We’ve exposed bad ownership. We’ve stood together.

“A history worth fighting for. A future worth protecting. Our last chance to be heard. Don’t stay silent. Make it count.”

Following a recent meeting of the RFL and the two Greater Manchester Mayors, Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett, Salford Red Devils were given somewhat of an even further stay of execution, as it was confirmed that their ‘winding up’/administration deadline has now been adjourned until October.

Nevertheless, the majority of fans are still being kept in the dark about the exact and up-to-date nature of their rugby league club’s situation at present.

Back in June, it looked like new investors could very well still be injecting vital funds to keep key players and staff on the books, but jump to now, and it looks like they don’t know if even things like the big screen even belong to them much longer.

Once again, the march and peaceful protest will take place this Friday, 19 September, prior to the next fixture against Wakefield Trinity.

Getting points on the board will no doubt be a big plus for all, but the game looks like it will very much serve as the backdrop to the wider ongoing saga.

Are you a Red Devils fan, and if so, will you be attending the demonstration? Better still, even if not, what do you make of the circumstances surrounding your side at the moment?

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Featured Images — Ben Whitehurst (supplied via X)

Sport

Mayor Andy Burnham promises Greater Manchester will honour Ricky Hatton ‘properly’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Mayor Andy Burnham confirms Greater Manchester tribute plans for Ricky Hatton

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has promised that the city and wider boroughs have plans to honour Ricky Hatton MBE following his passing this weekend.

Hatton, just 46, sadly passed away this Sunday, 14 September, with the region left shocked by the sudden and tragic news.

Details surrounding his exact cause of death are still scarce, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said that it is not being treated as suspicious.

Posting on social media, Mayor Burnham has now assured that there will be official tributes paid to the boxing legend.

“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes”, writes Burnham, adding: “He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly.”

There seems to be a clear intimation that at least one or more public tributes will be carried out at the earliest opportunity.

In fact, several already have up and down the country, including a 10-bell salute, which rang out at the World Boxing Championships at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on the 11th day of the competition.

Locals and ‘Hitman’ fans alike have been leaving flowers, wreaths and other personal tributes outside his address in Tameside as well as his gym in Hyde.

The minute’s appreciation before the 197th Manchester derby also saw his friend, fellow die-hard Blue and City Square fan zone presenter, Danny Jackson, deliver a touching speech before applause rang out around the stadium, with the Man City manager himself looking visibly moved by the moment.

Manchester City dedicate derby win to late and beloved boxing blue, Ricky Hatton
Pep Guardiola is one of many members around the club, both past and present, to have offered their condolences.

His nephew Jack Hatton has now posted on social media too, saying simply: “I love you so much Uncle Rick. I will always remember all you have done for me and the great times we had together I love you so so much I’m going to do all I can to make you proud.”

Brother Matthew, also a boxer, shared similar, collating pictures of the two together over the years.

énergie Fitness Hyde, home to his well-known gym and popular community outlet, have also shared a statement online, writing: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals.

“His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.

“We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
As a mark of respect, the gym will be closed for the rest of the day. Rest in Peace, Ricky.” Since then, his family have now shared their own statement in full via GMP.

Asking for privacy during this difficult time, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather,and brother, and a true friend to many.

“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.

“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”

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Featured Images — Aeropixels Photography/Scottish Government (via Flickr)

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