Angry at Allen remark, WPBSA moots action

Sheffield (England), April 24 (IANS) World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) said in a statement here that Mark Allen will face disciplinary proceedings for comments he made after his first-round defeat to China's Cao Yupeng at the world championship.

"Having reviewed comments made in the press conference after Sunday's match at the Betfred.com World Championship, the WPBSA will be writing to Mark Allen to initiate disciplinary proceedings," said the statement Monday.

In the match Sunday night, the 26-year-old Northern Irishman was upset 6-10 by the championship debutant Cao.

Allen, who admitted having underestimated the World No. 81 a little bit, claimed Cao hadn't told the referee a foul shot he made when leading 5-4.

The 21-year-old Cao was angered by the claim.

"I really didn't notice that shot as the match was so fast. I was just concentrating on playing well each ball," said Cao.

"If I really made a foul shot, I say sorry to him. But if I did not, I feel upset and angry very much."

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: "The WPBSA is responsible for the governance of snooker worldwide and takes very seriously comments made which could be perceived to be directed at a particular nation."

"The chairman of the disciplinary committee Nigel Mawer is making further inquiries into this incident. Mark Allen will be given 14 days to respond to the letter."

It's not the first time that Allen's remarks caused controversy.

The statement said he was recently fined 1,000 pounds sterling for comments made in China during the Haikou World Open last month, and now faces further action.

According to BBC, in March, Allen took to his Twitter account to criticise conditions in Haikou as "horrendous".

"Dead cat found this morning," he tweeted. "Any wonder this place stinks. Must be dead cats all round the town."

He won the event and later stood by his comments, insisting: " It would be nicer to play tournaments in the UK, but I have to go where the money is."

World snooker chairman Barry Hearn also showed his displeasure at Allen's comments.

"Time and time again Mark seems unable to control himself in his public statements. Sometimes I am speechless."