Ronnie O'Sullivan's dad slams Barry Hearn over 'atrocious' decision amid Ali Carter feud

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s dad has slammed Matchroom Sport president Barry Hearn over an “atrocious” decision.

Matchroom is the primary stakeholder in the WST and O’Sullivan’s Snr has accused Hearn of treating his son "atrociously" following his Masters win last week.

Just two days after his 10-7 victory over Ali Carter, O’Sullivan was back in action at the World Grand Prix, beating Pang Junxu 4-2 to reach the last 16.

O'Sullivan is set to take on Alfie Burden next week for a place at the finals of the World Open, which is being staged in China.

And O'Sullivan Snr has furiously taken aim at Hearn on social media over the schedule.

Referencing his son's game against Pang and the upcoming match against Burden, O’Sullivan said: "Arrived in Leicester. I managed to get a few hours kip I'm absolutely worn out and I'm not playing.

"And straight after this one my son has to travel to Barnsley round the back of a working man's club to qualify for the tournament in China.

"I've lost all respect for Baz Hernia. Once you lose respect for someone, there’s no return. Treated my son atrociously. Mental health is a very important issue because Ronnie has been there. I hope that the WST support any snooker players after this gruelling regime they are being put through.

"On your head Bazzer. I hope the Chinese officials overrule that car boot salesman Barry Earner and give Ronnie a wild card. Number one in the world rankings and has to travel to Barnsley with an audience of one man and a dog. Great way to treat any player in the top 32 let alone No.1.

"I honestly believe Baz Hernia gets a big buzz to have this power over the snooker players. Maybe because he can't bully any of the boxers, maybe because they wouldn't tolerate it."

The past few days have seen the world of snooker turn its attention to a feud between Carter and O’Sullivan.

Carter originally accused O'Sullivan of 'snotting all over the floor' and displaying 'outrageous' behaviour during the match - an accusation O'Sullivan responded to with an X-rated rant.

O'Sullivan told Carter he “needs to sort his f***ing life out: and that “everybody knows what he's [Carter] like.”

'The Captain' then hit back in an interview with ITV before his first-round match at the World Grand Prix on Tuesday afternoon simply saying he”'talked facts”, adding: "I actually feel a bit sorry for him, I don't think he's that well mentally. So we move forward and go again."

Topics: Ronnie O’Sullivan

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.