RONNIE O’SULLIVAN insists he will pull out of the English Open and not toe the line – after saying World Snooker want him to play in black shoes despite his sprained ankle.
The Rocket is once again telling the sport’s chiefs to sock it – after previously clashing over issues such as not wearing a tie.
If the five-time world champion previously felt that snooker’s rulers were a pain in the neck, he now says he will not let them bring him to heel about the other end of his body.
O’Sullivan fired off two contrasting tweets in the space of two minutes on Tuesday.
He first posted: “Being told by world snooker that if I don’t wear a black training shoe tomorrow I can’t play #sprainedankle.”
Almost immediately he added: “Looks like I’ll have to pull out of the English open cause someone’s not happy I’m wearing a trainer due to a sprained ankle.”
The Rocket is due to face Ian Burns or Zhang Anda in the 128-man tournament at Barnsley, which started on Monday.
The event winner can land a £1million bonus – if they go on to win all the other Home Nations events,in Belfast, Glasgow and Cardiff.
Snooker fans were quick to show their support for O’Sullivan on social media.
One tweeted: “That’s a shame Ronnie. @BarryHearn will you refund my tickets as I only booked to see Ronnie.”
And one suggested: “How about just wear black socks, Ron? Or bare feet? Or turn up and take your shoes off mid frame, they won’t chuck you out mid game.”
Other suggestions included wearing an ankle support and donning “a size 15 for a laugh”.
But at least one fan backed World Snooker.
She said: "Sorry Ronnie but I'm with World Snooker. The blue trainers do not look right. You are a World Champion and you really need to comply."
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