Former World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn has revealed he is planning to sue Just Stop Oil protestor Eddie Whittingham after the protest at the Crucible. A World Championship match between Rob Milkins and Joe Perry was halted after activist Whittingham threw orange powder on the table, forcing them to pause their match and replay the following day.
Whittingham, 25, and 52-year-old Margaret Reid, who was stopped from allegedly trying to take similar action on the adjacent table at the Crucible, were released on bail until June on suspicion of criminal damage. And after the incident, Hearn has revealed his fury at what went down.
“That geezer who jumped on the table, he has upset me,” Hearn said. “He upset me a little bit more following his comment afterwards about he couldn’t care less about what happens. I also feel sorry for the project that he claims to represent. Actually he did it more harm than good. People don’t expect that. But my overriding consideration is that all those people bought a ticket and had their evening spoiled.
“So I am going to write to the people that missed out and offer to support them, on a no-win, no-fee basis. And I am going to suggest they all join me in taking civil action against that young man for the cost incurred in their ticket, their travel, their food.
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The 2023 World Snooker Championship is very much underway in Sheffield at the famous Crucible Theatre.
We’ve had plenty of drama already this year, on and off the table, including an unusual Just Stop Oil protest that left the crowd aghast and table one covered in orange powder.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is looking to win a record-breaking eighth world title to take himself beyond the great Stephen Hendry.
“I don’t think people should take the mick, thinking that the poor old punter can just get treated like it just doesn’t matter. People who buy tickets for my events matter to me. I am considering at this stage that course of action – that I will take a civil action against that protestor. I want him to answer and I want my people to know that we were in their corner. I want to send a message out to anyone else who wants to try it – we will do you as well.”
Hearn has laid out plans for the fans to be contacted. His warning has come as Extinction Rebellion have promised not to target the London Marathon this weekend, following recent incidents at the Crucible and Grand National.
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