Snooker heckler thrown out of Crucible after loud shout disrupts tense World Championship tie

A snooker enthusiast was shown the door at the Crucible Theatre after a loud outburst disrupted Mark Allen's shot during his World Snooker Championship match.

In a nail-biting battle with John Higgins for a quarter-final spot, Allen was interrupted while leading 71-40 in the 13th frame. As he lined up his shot, a sudden shout from the audience caused him to stop and look back. The referee immediately took control of the situation, demanding, "Who was that? " followed by "Can you escort him out please? ".

The crowd and commentators expressed relief as the disruptive fan was promptly removed. Eurosport's commentator lamented the interruption, saying, "Mark Allen, looking to secure this frame... Oh goodness, honestly?!" and added, "We don't need that. Whoever did call out is going to be removed." Ex-snooker pro Joe Johnson concurred, remarking, "Yeah, rightly so. Just as the player was done on his stroke. Very ungentlemanly", reports the Mirror.

Despite the disturbance on Sunday, Allen kept his composure and ended the session with a 9-7 advantage. Higgins had initially taken the lead, but Allen's comeback, winning four consecutive frames, puts him in a strong position to clinch the last-16 tie when play continues on Monday night in Sheffield.

Allen has been on a hot streak for the past 18 months and is eyeing the world number one spot, which could be his if he can shake off his less than stellar record at the Crucible. Despite never having made it to the World Championship final, he's clinched two of snooker's Triple Crown titles with wins at the Masters in 2018 and the UK Championship in 2022.

However, his best runs in the World Championship have seen him bow out in the semi-finals in both 2009 and 2023. "Mark is an unbelievable player but for him to only reach two semi-finals here for his talent is nowhere near good enough and he would tell you that," John Higgins remarked to BBC Sport ahead of the tournament. "There might be something about the venue that does not agree with him so I have to hold on to that."

Meanwhile, snooker legend John Higgins has sounded the alarm that the iconic Crucible Theatre may soon no longer host the World Championship. The Sheffield landmark has been the event's home since 1977, but the current contract with Sheffield City Council is set to run out in 2027.

Higgins, a four-time champion himself, has made it clear he's not thinking about retirement just yet, but believes the Crucible's days are numbered. "No, I won't retire. This venue will be retired before I retire from snooker," Higgins declared.

"It's a shame, but with all the noises coming out from important people within the game it seems it will be leaving here in three years' time. I've had tears, joy, everything rolled into one, and your life has revolved around this venue, and it will be a sad day when it leaves."