The 18-year-old responded to the hostile reception by goading the fans, thanking them for contributing to his prize money.
Littler's mother, Lisa, publicly defended her son on social media, branding the booing fans as "t****" and criticising their behaviour.
She also hit back at comments suggesting Littler should "behave like" the world number one, asserting that the crowds were "vile".
Littler admitted he "lost" his head with his on-stage response and anticipates continued hostility in his upcoming quarter-final match against Krzysztof Ratajski.