BOBBY George is under attack for saying that Phil Taylor couldn’t match Luke Littler in his heyday.

There has been speculation that Littler could face off with Taylor in an exhibition match after their Sponsor Target teased a clash.

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Taylor, considered by many as the greatest darter of all time – initially showed enthusiasm for a match against Littler but has since U-turned.

But former charismatic darts player George reckons that Taylor wouldn’t stand a chance during his peak, never mind now.

George, 79, told talkSPORT:”Taylor was a great player, don’t get me wrong.

“But I don’t think he would have beaten Littler, even in his heyday, because his scoring power is so good. His finishing is unbelievable.

“The only way he could probably have a chance of beating him is to take the double 10 off the bull, because that’s what you can hit every time.

“He’s got double 10 or double top, bang, straight in.

“Taylor was a great player but not as good as Littler. That’s my opinion, mind you.”

But fellow retired darts pro Chris Mason, who regularly played against The Power, has rebuked George’s comments.

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Mason, 55, fumed to Online Darts: “It’s b******s because it’s b******s because the stats don’t like.

“This game gives us numbers. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Players being put under pressure and they wilt.

“That didn’t happen to Taylor, he would get stronger.”

And Mason hinted that Taylor could stand toe-to-toe with the youngest-ever world champ in an exhibition.

He added: “The averages are comparable. Taylor still has averages – on inferior boards – which still stack up against the elite of the last eight years.

“That’s why it’s b******s, I’m afraid. If you’re on about now, it’s a mismatch.

“But Taylor had tournament averages of 108 and 105. He averaged 113 against me over 24 legs.

“This isn’t an opinion, just do a bit of research, dig a bit deeper.

“How good would Taylor have been in this era? And pushed a bit harder and playing in all these events.

“I love Bobby to bits, but that is just so wrong.”

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Taylor, 64, may have many more titles to his name – including 16 world crowns – but there is already evidence Littler could be the better of the pair.

The wonderkid smashed his own best ever average in a match at the Players Championship, scoring 122.96 as he beat Damon Heta earlier this month.

Taylor’s highest average in a single match was 120.24, and George claims he would not have beaten Littler even at his peak

Despite the criticism, George stands by his position and even advised Taylor not to play the exhibition match against Littler.

George said: “Playing a guy that’s one of the greatest players in the world at this time, he’s got no chance.

“If he played Littler now he’d get slaughtered, it’d be most embarrassing.”

“If he does it for the money, then all right, take the bees and honey.”