Ronnie O’Sullivan has hit out at Alexandra Palace for being “disgusting, dirty and freezing” following his UK Masters quarter-final win over Barry Hawkins.
O’Sullivan produced an error-ridden performance but still did enough to beat Hawkins 6-3 and ensure his passage to the last four, where he will face Shaun Murphy.
Following the result, O’Sullivan, who has long been embroiled in a war of words with the World Snooker Tour, was disparaging of Ally Pally.
He said: “I just don’t like the place, I find it disgusting. Everywhere is dirty, cold, I’m freezing. I have to sit here in my coat.
“Everywhere you go, you’re going through car parks, there are bins. I don’t know if you’ve seen up there, there’s food and stuff and it makes me feel ill to be honest with you.
“I’m a clean freak. When I come here, it gives me the heebie-jeebies and I can’t wait to get out of here. I’m sorry, that’s just how I feel.”
In response to O’Sullivan’s comments, a spokesperson for the WST said: “We work with Alexandra Palace to provide the best possible conditions for players.
“All other players have spoken with unanimous positivity about the venue. Fans love coming here. This is underlined by record ticket sales and all standard admission seats we’re sold out ahead of the event.”
A spokesperson for the venue said: “We work tirelessly to provide an arena and atmosphere this great event deserves. We’ve been proud of the overwhelming positive feedback the venue has received and it’s disappointing that Ronnie feels differently.”
