After Stephen Lee was found guilty of match-fixing, and now faces a lifetime ban from snooker, fellow player Ronnie O'Sullivan managed to steal the spotlight by alleging there were many more who are guilty.
O'Sullivan took to Twitter Tuesday, saying he has "heard there's many more players who throw snooker matches."
His comments caused something of a furor, and the chair ofWorld Snooker, Barry Hearn, issued a stern statement in response.
"We take these type of allegations very seriously," Hearn said. "We have written to Ronnie asking him to explain his comments and to provide details of any match fixing and the names of the players that he is referring to."
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"Clearly, to make these type of allegations without informing the Governing Body through the correct channels is wholly unacceptable and extremely damaging to the Sport," said Hearn. "We await his response. We will not be making any further comment on this matter until it has been investigated further."
Lee, the former No. 5 in the world, was found guilty of match fixing and spot-fixing in seven fixtures between 2008 and 2009, including a world championship match. He faces a potential life ban from the sport.
I've heard there's many more players who throw snooker matches .. I suppose Steve lee was just caught out
— Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) September 17, 2013
I just love putting it out there bring it all out in the open.. Nothing like a bit of transparency is what I say..
— Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) September 17, 2013
No need to worry if you got nothing to hide. But plenty of people have got loads to hide. That's why there is no free speech . There hiding
— Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) September 17, 2013
They will prob fine me for talking about it.. They don't like you doing that.. Like to keep things under the carpet..
— Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) September 17, 2013
No concrete evidence of match fixing in snooker But just like everyone one who works in an office they have a good idea who's shagging who
— Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) September 17, 2013
I suppose I could always go back to workin on the farm if world snooker wanna ban me
— Ronnie O'Sullivan (@ronnieo147) September 17, 2013
