Ronnie O'Sullivan match was stopped by snooker referee with security called

Ronnie O'Sullivan was halted in his tracks by the referee at one tournament.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has taken an extended break from snooker this year (Image: GETTY)

Ronnie O’Sullivan was forced to wait for a fan to be ejected during his first round encounter with Gary Wilson at the 2017 World Snooker Championship. The Rocket was leading 5-4 and was about to step up to the table when match official Brendan Moore addressed an issue in the crowd.

O’Sullivan has enjoyed a remarkable career in snooker and has won a joint-record seven World Championship titles alongside Stephen Hendry. But he has taken an extended break from the game this year following his withdrawal at the Championship League in January. The 49-year-old snapped his cue and struck the table during his clash with Robert Milkins before leaving the arena. He has since pulled out of a string of tournaments.

O’Sullivan has been tipped to return to action at the World Championship in April, where he could topple Hendry as the most successful player in Crucible history.

He has plenty of experience in Sheffield but was involved in a bizarre incident at the venue eight years ago as he attempted to get the better of Wilson.

Ronnie O'Sullivan had a World Snooker Championship clash disrupted by a sleeping fan in 2017

Beckoning security, Moore exclaimed: “Excuse me - hang on a second Ronnie - come down. I need this guy out, he needs to go.”

Pointing towards the fan, he added: “Martin, out. This one here. Yeah, he needs to go. Straight out.”

BBC commentator John Virgo told viewers: “There’s a slight problem with someone in the audience. Looks as though he’s not too well.” But Moore continued: “Yeah, you need to go please sir. Just take him out, gone, yeah