Ronnie O’Sullivan has described a leading snooker venue as “disgusting” and “dirty” during this year’s Masters tournament.
Alexandra Palace has staged the professional event since 2012 but the seven-time champion suggested he was not a fan of the iconic arena.
The outspoken star of the green baize said it made him “feel ill” and gave him “the heebie-jeebies”.
But the hosts said the response of players and fans had been overwhelmingly positive, and that it was “disappointing” O’Sullivan felt differently.
Hitting out at the Ally Pally, O’Sullivan said: “I just don’t like this place.
“I find it disgusting.Everywhere is dirty. It’s cold.
“It’s freezing, I have to wear my coat everywhere.
“You go through car parks. There are bins.
“Honestly, it just makes me feel ill. I’m a bit of a clean freak and when I come in here it gives me the heebie-jeebies.
“I just can’t wait to get out of here.”
O’Sullivan beat Barry Hawkins to progress in the tournament
The World Snooker Tour were quick to respond to O’Sullivan’s comments and pointed out that all other players have reacted to the venue with “unanimous positivity”.
“We work alongside Alexandra Palace to provide the best possible conditions for players on and off the table,” they said.
“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.”
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An Alexandra Palace spokesperson also said: “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.”
Earlier this year, the Ally Pally hosted the World Darts Championships which saw Luke Littler’s incredible run to the final, where he was ultimately beaten by Luke Humphries.
O’Sullivan has booked his place in the 15th Masters semi-final of his career after beating Barry Hawkins 6-3 at Alexandra Palace.
He will now face Shaun Murphy.
The Masters is the second-longest-running professional snooker tournament after the World Championship and is one of the three Triple Crown events.
