SNOOKER FANS have been told they could face travel chaos on their journeys to the Crucible on Saturday afternoon.
Punters attending the World Championship in Sheffield this weekend have been advised to get to the venue early or ditch their cars for public transport.
Snooker fans have been advised to get to the Crucible early to avoid delays Credit: Getty
South Yorkshire Police are gearing themselves up for a potential fuel protest in the city – potentially by angry farmers – following the rise in petrol prices due to the war in and the Middle East.
Details of any march or even a possible blockade of roads by proestors have not been released widely.
The Police force will be stretched tomorrow as , 14th in the Championship, face Preston at Bramall Lane at 3pm in their final home match of the season.
There is no suggestion the snooker will not go ahead as planned but it might impact the queues outside of the theatre – or mean some spectators arrive late.
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said: “We are aware of a potential planned protest in Sheffield city centre on Saturday 25 April, and urging anyone travelling to the city to allow extra time and plan ahead.
“On Friday and Saturday, we know many visitors will be travelling to the city for events and activities including the Snooker World Championships held at the Crucible, and the Sheffield United v Preston match at Bramall Lane.
“All events are still due to go ahead as planned.
“But we’re urging those attending to allow extra time for travel and potential public transport disruptions, and to check for updates.
“All travel advice and updated timetables can be found on the Travel South Yorkshire and Supertram website.
“Our officers will be in the city, please speak to them if you require assistance or have any concerns.”
There are three sessions on Saturday – day eight of the sport’s flagship event – starting at 10am, 2.30pm and 7pm.
In the afternoon slot, the action will involve reigning world champion Zhao Xintong against Ding Junhui – they are locked at 4-4 piece in frames – and the first session between world No.1 and Iranian qualifier Hossein Vafaei.
Ronnie O’Sullivan versus – their eighth meeting at the Crucible – will be staged in the evening.
A World Snooker Tour spokesperson said: “We are aware that there could be disruption to traffic around the centre of Sheffield on Saturday, particularly in the early afternoon from 12pm to 2pm.
“We advise any fans coming to the Crucible for the afternoon session to leave plenty of time for their journey or use public transport.
“Fans arriving early can enjoy the atmosphere and Fanzone in Tudor Square outside the Crucible.”
Each session at the Crucible contains up to 980 people and it is usually sold out at the weekends, with many more watching the live action on the big screens in Tudor Square outside of the Winter Gardens.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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