Darts and football often crossover on the calendar and when not firing in 180s for fun, many of the players show an ardent love for their football club.
The darts crowds often resemble those familiar with a football stadium and some of the chants sung by supporters can often be heard at darts tournaments.
Stephen Bunting is one player who follows football very closely and he’s had his colours stamped to the mast from a very young age.
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Stephen Bunting’s love for Liverpool
Bunting has been a Liverpool fan all of his life and these days he is often photographed watching the Reds live from Anfield.
In 2019, he was determined to try and win the World Darts Championship for the first time as a PDC player.
After setting up a date with Michael van Gerwen in the last 16 of the tournament he admitted he was taking inspiration from Liverpool.
He told PDC TV: You’ve got to believe to achieve. I’m taking inspiration from Liverpool’s massive run as it shows what a strong mentality and belief can do.”
Why Stephen Bunting supports Liverpool
An interview with Local TV Liverpool saw Bunting confirm that it was actually a family member who got him into following the red half of Liverpool.
He said: “My dad was a massive Liverpool fan and he got me into watching and going to the football. We had season tickets when I was younger and my dad used to take me to the match all the time. I love being at the match – the atmosphere is great.”
Amazing Stephen Bunting claim about Jurgen Klopp
When it was announced that Jurgen Klopp was going to call time on his tenure as the manager of Liverpool, Bunting went and won the 2024 Darts Masters.
It was the first time he’d claimed success at a televised PDC event and should have been a fine moment for the Bullet.
However, he confessed that he’d swap it all for Klopp to remain in charge of his beloved Liverpool.
He told TalkSPORT: “I actually would swap it for Klopp to stay at Liverpool. I think it’s going to be difficult to replace him, there’s nobody who can fill the shoes that he’s going to leave at the club.”
Stephen Bunting’s favourite ever Liverpool player
As a 39-year-old, it will come as no surprise whatsoever that Bunting cites Steven Gerrard as his favourite ever player.
He told Local TV Liverpool: “I’d have to say, Steven Gerrard, he’s my era, just everything he did, he singlehandedly pulled the team through thick and thin. Some of the goals he scored…he’s a special, special player.”