A dramatic incident unfolded at the Crucible Theatre during the World Snooker Championship semi-final between Wu Yize and Mark Allen, as a spectator was forcibly removed for disrupting the match with a protest about the Epstein Files.

Protest Interrupts Crucial Frame

The disruption occurred at a critical moment in the deciding 33rd frame, just as Wu was preparing to take his shot. The unidentified fan shouted ‘never forget the Epstein Files,’ a reference to the extensive documents detailing the alleged criminal activities of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The outburst was captured on live BBC coverage, prompting referee Marcel Eckardt to intervene immediately. “Can you get this person out please, now please,” Eckardt instructed security, as the crowd reacted with a mix of shock and frustration. Some fans urged the protester to be quiet, while others appeared taken aback by the nature of the interruption.

Record-Breaking Frame and Intense Match

The incident added to an already tense atmosphere, as Wu and Allen had been locked in a grueling battle that included the longest frame ever recorded at the World Championship. Earlier in the match, the players found themselves in a stalemate where eight red balls were impossible to pot due to the black ball’s position, leading to a protracted exchange of safety shots.

Longest Frame in Championship History

The frame lasted an astonishing 100 minutes and 21 seconds, with Allen eventually forced to intentionally foul by potting the black to break the deadlock. Wu capitalized on the opportunity, winning the frame to level the match at 7-7.

Wu Yize Secures Victory

Despite the distractions, Wu managed to secure a narrow 17-16 victory, denying Allen a place in the final after the Northern Irishman missed a crucial black ball while leading 16-15.

Reaction from Snooker Legends

The unusual circumstances of the match drew criticism from snooker legends. Six-time world champion Steve Davis described the scenes as ‘embarrassing,’ while seven-time Crucible winner Stephen Hendry referred to it as the ‘dark side of snooker.’