Ronnie O'Sullivan's dad blasts Barry Hearn and snooker 'Gestapo' in bug rant

13 January 2024 , 17:27

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Ronnie O'Sullivan has made the Masters Snooker final despite concerns about the Ally Pally conditions (Image: PA)

Ronnie O'Sullivan 's father, Ronnie senior, has echoed the snooker champion's Alexandra Palace complaints while blasting what he called the 'WST Gestapo'.

Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan, 48, had earlier hit out at the venue, describing it as "dirty" and "cold" and claiming he had to sit around in his coat. Despite his concerns, though, The Rocket has advanced to Sunday's Masters final after getting past Ding Junhui, Barry Hawkins and Shaun Murphy.

Promoters Matchroom Sport have also bore the brunt of the outrage, with Barry Hearn coming in for particular criticism. The latest comments come after O'Sullivan was joined by a number of other stars in speaking out about the venue.

Alexandra Palace has hosted the Masters since 2012. There have been complaints on social media in the past, while plenty have spoken out this time around.

Insects are thought to be a big concern, with Judd Trump speaking out after his quarter-final exit. Ali Carter also responded to questions about wasps at the London venue, but O'Sullivan senior's latest comments are arguably even more strongly-worded than what's been seen so far.

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"The Ally Pally needs fumigating," O'Sullivan senior said. "Flies and wasps everywhere. It’s that bad. Players dressing rooms close to the bins. Nice. Big thank you to Barry earner [sic] and the rest of the WST Gestapo."

A number of those replying pointed out that this isn't a new problem. "It's been the same every year, to have the same wasp issue every year and to have evidence of it constantly on live TV you'd think they would do something about it," one said.

Does something need to be done about the conditions at Ally Pally? Have your say in the comments section

Ronnie O'Sullivan is among several players to comment about conditions at Alexandra Palace (PA)

"I just don't like this place to be honest with you, I just find it disgusting," the younger O'Sullivan had said earlier. "Everywhere is just dirty, it's cold, I’m freezing. I have to sit here in my coat.

"Everywhere you go, you're going through car parks, it's bins. I don't know if you've seen over there [media catering area] there's leftover food and stuff and it makes me feel ill to be honest with you.

"I'm a bit of a clean freak. Coming here gives me the heebie jeebies and I can't wait to get out of here to be honest. I'm sorry, that's just how I feel."

Carter had earlier admitted he was trying to avoid being stung by a wasp, while Trump made his own position clear. “It’s not the reason I lost but it’s never nice because you can’t get in a flow. It’s gone on too long," he said, per the Daily Record.

Tom Victor