Snooker fan thrown out of World Championship match after protest over 'Epstein Files'

A spectator was ejected from Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on Saturday evening after disrupting the World Snooker Championship semi-final between Wu Yize and Mark Allen with shouts referencing the Epstein Files.

The unusual disruption took place at the most critical moment of the match, as the two players prepared to contest the decisive 33rd frame of their tense last-four encounter.

As Wu readied himself to play, a voice from the audience cried out "never forget the Epstein Files" – an apparent reference to the extensive documentation surrounding the late convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual shouted a second time before officials intervened.

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Referee Marcel Eckardt swiftly demanded the protester's removal, stating: "Can you get this person out please, now please."

His instruction was clearly picked up by BBC cameras broadcasting the match live.

Fellow spectators had already voiced their displeasure at the disruption, telling the individual to be quiet.

A sense of shock appeared to ripple through the venue once those present realised the nature of the outburst.

The protester, who was photographed but remains unidentified, was subsequently escorted from the famous Sheffield arena.

The interruption added yet another layer of drama to what had already been an extraordinary semi-final encounter.

"Never forget the Epstein files"

Live demonstration during World #Snooker pic.twitter.com/dAyx14SycA

— M White 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Mathewjwhite) May 2, 2026

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Despite the commotion, Wu managed to maintain his composure and ultimately claimed victory with a 17-16 scoreline in a thrilling conclusion to the semi-final.

Allen had appeared poised to secure his spot in the final, holding a 16-15 advantage and needing only to sink a straightforward black sitting on its spot.

However, the Northern Irishman failed to convert what should have been a routine pot, gifting Wu the opportunity to level the match.

The Chinese player duly capitalised, forcing the deciding frame before completing a remarkable comeback to book his place in Sunday's final.

The dramatic conclusion capped off a semi-final that had already produced extraordinary scenes the previous day.

On Friday, Wu and Allen contested what became the longest frame in World Championship history, lasting 100 minutes and 21 seconds.

The peculiar situation arose when the position of the black ball rendered eight reds impossible to pot, leading to an extended sequence of safety play that tested the patience of spectators.

Eckardt eventually intervened, giving each player three attempts to break the deadlock, with Allen ultimately forced to deliberately pot the black to resolve matters.

Six-time world champion Steve Davis branded the scenes "embarrassing," whilst seven-time Crucible winner Stephen Hendry called it the "dark side of snooker."

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