A man has been ejected from the Crucible Theatre after interrupting a World Snooker Championship semi-final with an apparent protest related to the Epstein Files. The unusual incident unfolded as Wu Yize and Mark Allen commenced the deciding 33rd frame of their tightly contested last-four clash in Sheffield on Saturday evening.
Disruption During Decisive Frame
As Wu prepared to take his shot, a cry of 'never forget the Epstein Files' echoed from the audience, referencing the millions of documents detailing the activities of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offences. The fan, who has been photographed but not identified, continued to shout before referee Marcel Eckardt ordered his removal, with the interruption audible on the BBC coverage of the match.
'Can you get this person out please, now please,' Eckardt stated. Spectators in the arena had urged the individual to be quiet, and there appeared to be surprise once the nature of his shouts became clear.
Match Outcome
Wu eventually triumphed in a thrilling semi-final, winning 17-16 after Allen squandered a golden opportunity to secure his place in the final. Leading 16-15, Allen needed only to pot a routine black off its spot but missed, allowing Wu to force a decider and ultimately win.
This incident followed a bizarre stalemate earlier in the same semi-final on Friday, which led to Wu and Allen playing the longest frame ever recorded at the World Championship. The players encountered a situation where eight red balls were impossible to pot due to the black ball's position, resulting in continuous safety shots as the crowd grew restless and Eckardt had to intervene.
They were eventually given three shots each to resolve the impasse, and Allen, who held a significant lead, was forced to almost intentionally foul by potting the black to force a result. Wu fought back to win and level the match at 7-7 in a frame that lasted 100 minutes and 21 seconds.
Six-time world champion Steve Davis described the scenes as 'embarrassing', while seven-time Crucible winner Stephen Hendry labelled the incident the 'dark side of snooker'.
