Ronnie O'Sullivan's war on referees continued on Wednesday night, as he told referee Desislava Bozhilova to chill during a break in play.
The Rocket was praised for an act of sportsmanship in the opening session of his quarter-final against Stuart Bingham at the Crucible, when he he intentionally passed up the chance of an easy pot, saying that the black ball had not been correctly replaced.
Asked about the incident in between sessions, O'Sullivan took aim at referee Desislava Bozhilova, saying that "some of the referees, I think they’ve got it in for me, so I wanted to prove to her she’s got it wrong."
There was clearly some simmering tension between O'Sullivan and Bozhilova later on, as the players took their seats while waiting for punters to to stream into the area during the mid-session interval at the other table.
Ronnie O’Sullivan: “Chill!”
Referee: “I am chilled.” 🙈 pic.twitter.com/QXiXhlHgbC— I ❤️ Snooker (@ILoveSnooker_) May 1, 2024
Ronnie O'Sullivan tells ref to "chill"
During a prolonged delay as the doors continued to swing open, a visibly frustrated O'Sullivan appeared to suggest that they continue to wait. Bozhilova then assured O'Sullivan that the doors would remain closed, before saying "we might be waiting 20 minutes."
O'Sullivan then tells her to "chill," and the Bulgarian ref replies "I am chill," while appearing to laugh at the seven-time world champion's attitude.
The laughter spreads through the arena as well, before O'Sullivan potted the green before going on to lose the frame to Bingham.
"What are we doing❓"
Ronnie O'Sullivan's shot is delayed as spectators take their seats following the other match's mid-session interval ⏯️#CazooWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/SAcGKwG7bU— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 1, 2024
People divided on O'Sullivan behaviour
"I've never seen this before," said Ken Doherty on commentary. "I've never seen this before at The Crucible, particularly at such an important stage.
"I don't blame him taking his time, there is no rush. Just take your time, it's such an important stage, it's an important shot."
People online are divided on O'Sullivan's behaviour, with some finding it entertaining and others branding him "rude" and a "diva."
One things for sure, we won't be seeing any more of him at this year's World Snooker Championship, as he eventually fell to Bingham by 13 frames to 10.
See Also: Bizarre Moment As Stephen Maguire Put Fly In His Mouth At World Snooker Championship
