Drunk fans chant 'there's only one Gregg Wallace' at bald player during snooker tournament

In December 2024, the Scottish Open snooker tournament witnessed disappointment when Ronnie O'Sullivan suddenly withdrew from his match hours before it was scheduled. O'Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, was set to face Xing Zihao at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh. His last-minute pullout followed similar decisions by other top players, including Judd Trump and Mark Williams, contributing to growing frustration among fans who had made special efforts to attend the event. One fan who traveled from Inverness expressed his anger on social media, describing O'Sullivan's actions as an 'absolute disgrace' given the costs incurred. As fans arrived to witness the matches, hopes were high to see O'Sullivan, often referred to as 'The Rocket.' However, his withdrawal meant that another match was moved to the main table instead. Throughout the event, discontent was voiced by attendees, who even booed during a tribute to O'Sullivan shown on the big screen. Supporters shared their grievances about the snooker star’s lack of consideration for those who had bought tickets expecting to see him play. This incident reflects a growing pattern, as O'Sullivan has previously missed several major tournaments, including the British Open and the Northern Ireland Open. Adding to the situation, the past remarks made by O'Sullivan regarding prize money have led fans to speculate about his priorities as a player. He has previously indicated a preference for tournaments in locations offering larger purses, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia and China, leading some to question whether he values events in the UK. Players and fans are becoming increasingly critical of his recurrent withdrawals, with suggestions that such behavior should result in penalties. Amidst these complaints, his next appearance is anticipated at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, where he will defend his title. In a separate incident during the Snooker Shoot Out tournament in Leicester, crowd behavior marred the experience for players and fans alike. Chinese player Wu Yize was subjected to a racist remark by a spectator, highlighting troubling issues of crowd conduct in snooker events that allow for audience noise and interaction. As the tournament aims to create a relaxed atmosphere, several attendees noted that some individuals had taken things too far, disrupting the matches. Overall, these instances pose challenges for the sport, leaving organizers and players to consider how crowd engagement can be balanced with respect for competitors.