Ronnie O’Sullivan has branded Alexandra Palace “disgusting” and “dirty” in a recent tirade in opposition to snooker venues.
The Rocket faces not less than yet one more match on the historic area, which additionally hosts the PDC World Darts Championship, after defeating Barry Hawkins 6-3 in a scrappy quarter-final on the Masters. After the match, O’Sullivan laid into the situation of Ally Pally, a Grade-II listed constructing which was opened in 1875.
The 48-year-old has beforehand labelled an English Open venue, a leisure centre in Crawley which hosted the match in 2018 and 2019, as a “hellhole” which “smells of urine”. Following his win over Hawkins, O’Sullivan pointedly attended his post-match interviews sporting a thick coat.
READ MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan says sorry to Barry Hawkins for ‘dragging him down to my level’
READ MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan in disbelief after stunning miscue in Masters quarter-final victory
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“I just don’t like this place to be honest with you, I just find it disgusting,” stated O’Sullivan of Ally Pally. “Everywhere’s simply soiled, it’s chilly, I’m freezing. I’ve to take a seat right here in my coat.
“Everywhere you go, you’re going by means of automobile parks, it’s bins. I don’t know for those who’ve seen over there [media catering area] there’s leftover meals and stuff and it makes me really feel unwell to be sincere with you.
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(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
“I’m a bit of a clean freak. Coming here gives me the heebie jeebies and I can’t wait to get out of here to be honest. I’m sorry, that’s just how I feel.”
In response to O’Sullivan’s feedback, the World Snooker Tour defended Ally Pally. In an announcement, they stated: “We work alongside Alexandra Palace to provide the best possible conditions for players on and off the table.
“All other players have spoken with unanimous positivity about the venue. Fans love coming here. This is underlined by record ticket sales and the fact that all standard admission seats sold out ahead of this year’s tournament.”
(Image: PA)
Meanwhile, an Alexandra Palace spokesperson added: “We love hosting the Masters and welcoming all the players and fans to the Palace. We work tirelessly to provide an arena and atmosphere that this great event deserves.
“We’ve been proud of the overwhelming positive feedback the venue has received in recent years, and it’s obviously disappointing that Ronnie feels differently. We hope we can change his mind and that he enjoys the rest of his tournament here.”
O’Sullivan added that venues within the UK are less than scratch and struggled to give you one he loved taking part in at. He stated: “I do know it’s the Masters, however for me a very powerful factor is venues and amenities and stuff like that.
(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
“For me, the which means of the occasions turns into secondary as a result of I like my comforts. This isn’t the kind of place I stay up for coming to.
“The crowds are great and they do a great job with that, but for everything else maybe you should go and have a look around and maybe you’ll know what I’m talking about.
“My favourite place to play is China, I love the events out there. UK-wise, I like Llandudno, Llandudno’s nice. Other than that I’m struggling.”