BBC apologise to Paul Scholes as Man Utd icon snapped wathcing Ronnie O’Sullivan
BBC commentator John Parrott apologised to Paul Scholes, the Manchester United icon, after he was seen watching Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Crucible
Ronnie O’Sullivan was back in action on Thursday(Image: VCG via Getty Images)
BBC commentator John Parrott apologised to Paul Scholes, who was seen watching Ronnie O’Sullivan on Thursday afternoon.
The Manchester United icon is a keen snooker fan – and he took the trip down to The Crucible to catch a glimpse of the Rocket in action as he cruised past China’s He Guoqiang at the World Snooker Championship.
And cameras inside the famous venue were quick to pick up Scholes in the crowd, and as he appeared on screen, Parrott said: “A very interested spectator, one of England’s greatest midfielders, Paul Scholes, is here today to watch Ronnie.
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“I’m sure he’ll be impressed with what he’s seen.” While co-commentator Ken Doherty continued: “Fantastic. One great watching another.
“What a player he was! I know he loves the snooker. A lot of the footballers love to play snooker in their spare time. Great to have him here.”
However, Scholes’ time was short, with O’Sullivan making short work of his opponent. Parrott joked: “Paul Scholes might have enjoyed this but he’s only going to see three frames of it. Sorry Paul, this man is just too good.”
Scholes presence was noted by O’Sullivan too, who joked: “It was good to see him. It was only the second frame, I went, ‘that’s Paul Scholes there’.
“He looks really well, fit, healthy. Good to see him come to the snooker, you know.”
He continued, when speaking about his win: “A couple of oldies. I was saying just hanging around this venue I feel kind of old now because everyone is 22, 23. It’s like walking into a creche. But we are still hanging around and having a go.
“I am not the player I was and probably never will be but as long as I can still enjoy the game…I am starting to enjoy it again. I’ve got a new method. I was a bit lost for three years, really lost.
“I am getting through the ball but still not good enough to win these events.
“I have to rely on a bit of luck whereas years ago I felt if my game was OK, it’d take someone really good at their best to beat me. Not so much now. I have to play really good and they can play alright and still beat me.”
