Neil Robertson, the Australian snooker star, faced a chorus of boos at Alexandra Palace after making a controversial remark about the Ashes series. Following his quarter-final victory over Chris Wakelin, Robertson’s playful jibe regarding England’s 4-1 defeat to Australia did not go over well with the crowd.
Controversial Remarks Ignite Crowd Reaction
During his post-match interview, the 43-year-old Robertson addressed the audience, saying, “With Australia winning the Ashes, I didn’t know if I was going to get booed or cheered coming down the stairs.” The result was immediate and negative, with an angry spectator shouting, “fk you,” in response to his comments. Robertson chuckled, acknowledging the crowd’s reaction.
Previous Incidents With English Supporters
This incident was not the first time Robertson had drawn the ire of English fans. Previously, at the UK Championship in December, he had mimicked batting strokes with his snooker cue case before facing off against Judd Trump. That display had also met with disapproval from the audience, although Robertson seemed to find humor in their backlash.
- Quarter-Final Match: Robertson defeated Chris Wakelin 6-2.
- Controversial Quote: “With Australia winning the Ashes…”
- Notable Reaction: Spectator shouted “fk you” at the player.
Praising the Crowd Following Victory
Despite the booing, Robertson expressed gratitude towards the audience after his win. He remarked, “I can’t thank you guys enough, a brilliant atmosphere.” He highlighted the positive energy at the venue, stating, “This is the best event in terms of the atmosphere that we play in.”
Upcoming Semi-Final Match
Robertson is now set to compete against Kyren Wilson in the semi-finals, which will take place on Friday evening. He acknowledged the challenge, saying, “It’s a one table set up, you just have to go out and play your game and hope it’s good enough.”
Neil Robertson’s experience at Alexandra Palace underscores the passionate nature of snooker fans, especially when it comes to cross-sport rivalry. As he prepares for his next match, he remains a captivating figure in the world of snooker.
