Luke Humphries sends message to darts fans after anti-Leeds United chants at World Grand Prix Darts

Luke Humphries was on the brink of being knocked out against Stephen Bunting, but the reigning world champion fought back to claim a 2-1 victory and a place in the quarter-finals

Darts world number one Luke Humphries has called on fans to ditch anti-Leeds United chants after they targeted him during his nail-biting win over Stephen Bunting at the World Grand Prix.

Humphries, who is vying for a second consecutive title at the tournament, faced off against the Masters champion in a tense match on Monday (October 7).

The 29-year-old was on the brink of an early exit as Bunting showcased top form and nearly clinched victory, but a missed double 16 by 'The Bullet' gave Humphries the chance to fight back and secure a 2-1 victory. The triumph set up a quarter-final clash with Ricardo Pietreczko.

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Despite the thrilling nature of the game at Citywest in Leicester, the crowd's repeated chants of "we all hate Leeds, scum" directed at Leeds fan Humphries were noticed by the darts superstar. After his triumph, the current world champion responded to the chants, asking fans to focus on darts and leave football rivalries out of it.

Humphries said: "Let's leave football at home, we're at the darts now," and later added, "I support Leeds [United], everyone knows that, but let's leave the football chants at home. We are darts players, we're not footballers.

"If I'm in a football field and Leeds are playing against whoever and they're chanting it to me whilst I'm there, then I'll accept it, love it, and embrace it, but it's just constant."

While Humphries acknowledged that he enjoys the banter he receives from fans, he made sure to reveal that he carried out his remarkable comeback victory without being rattled by the crowd's chants, reports Leeds Live.

"I love the banter, and I love the 'Leeds are falling apart' chant, but this isn't a football arena," he added. "I know it's all a bit of fun, but Leeds weren't falling apart tonight unfortunately for them [the fans]. It didn't affect me to win that game."

As Leeds strive for a Premier League return, they have made a solid start in their second consecutive season in the Championship, sitting fifth with only one loss in their first nine matches.