SNOOKER star Shaun Murphy has hit out at a fan online after being told he played a “shit shot” at the Crucible.
Murphy, 43, was playing his first round match against Fan Zhengyi when he was accidentally heckled.
Shaun Murphy has called out a heckling snooker fan Credit: PA
He overheard one table-side supporter commenting on a certain shot Credit: Instagram @shaunmurphy147
The Brit ended Monday’s match 5-4 up with play to resume on Tuesday evening.
And he took the chance to call out one paying supporter in an angry statement on .
He wrote on his story just hours before restarting: “Just a friendly reminder…
“If you’re sat on the front row in the Crucible and I play a shot that may not work for a particular reason, it’s probably best not to say ‘s*** shot’ out loud.
“I’ve got ears…”
Murphy added at the bottom: “I missed my next shot as I was contemplating which end of my cue to nut him with.”
2005 winner Murphy had gone 2-0 and 3-1 up against Zhengyi but was clawed back.
He ended up at 4-4 before nailing a 140 break to head into the lead overnight.
This is the latest outspoken moment for Murphy, who called out both and at the start of the tournament.
Neither player was there on the eve of the World Champs for a contractual group picture in Tudor Square.
And .
He said: “I think it’s become normal that they don’t turn up for these types of things, but I’ve got no idea why they don’t come.
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“They didn’t come to the Champions’ Dinner either last night.
“So I don’t know. You’d have to ask them why they don’t come. I’ve got no idea.
“I don’t know about image problems. I think it might give those two a particular image problem. I think it might affect their image slightly.
“I think once the public sort of tag onto that themselves, and realise that two of the biggest stars of the game weren’t here for opening day, when everyone else has made the effort to be here.
“Listen, it’s a strange one. I don’t know why they’re not here. Their own decisions, isn’t it?
“I’ve got no idea, but none of us are shocked by it. It would be more strange for us if they were here, which is saying something.
“I think it’s a real shame, and they probably could both have done a little bit more to help promote the game over the years.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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