The World Snooker Championship final between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize faced multiple interruptions on Sunday, with referee Rob Spencer ejecting a spectator for a mobile phone ringing and a protester storming the arena floor.
Phone Disruption Leads to Ejection
During the 15th frame, a mobile phone rang as Murphy was preparing to take a shot, prompting immediate audible frustration from the Crucible crowd. Referee Rob Spencer swiftly identified the source and ordered the individual to leave. "They're going. Do we know whose it was? Out please," Spencer said. "Gone. Out." Murphy stepped back from the table and waited calmly, sipping water, until the situation was resolved.
Referee's Stern Warnings
Spencer had issued clear warnings at the start of the evening session and after the mid-session interval. "Before we start again, just nice and quiet, please. I don't want to have to keep doing this at the start of every single session," he said. "If a phone goes off and the security team sees who it is, you will be asked to leave."
Protester Interrupts Afternoon Session
The most dramatic interruption occurred during the afternoon session when a protester vaulted onto the arena floor, voicing grievances about the licence fee. Cameras remained focused on the table as producers avoided broadcasting the disruption. Spencer, a former police officer, quickly intervened, and World Snooker Tour security escorted the protester out to applause from the audience. BBC commentator John Parrott stated, "Sorry for that disturbance, it's all sorted."
Previous Incident in Semi-Final
On Saturday night, a spectator shouted "Never forget the Epstein files" during the deciding frame of the semi-final between Wu Yize and Mark Allen. Referee Marcel Eckardt ordered the individual's removal, saying, "Can you get this person out please, now please."
