SNOOKER fans at the Crucible were once again warned by an angry ref after a phone went off MID-SHOT in the World Championship final.
2005 winner Shaun Murphy didn’t let a notification at the start of the sixth frame put him off, completing a pot despite the distraction.
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Shaun Murphy nailed a pot despite a phone going off mid-shot Credit: TNT SPORTS
Referee Rob Spencer (left) once more had to intervene and warn fans Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
He nailed a long-range red, drawing warm applause from the crowd, but one supporter was lucky after a loud ding was heard just as the Brit was about to strike the ball.
And official Rob Spencer, who had earlier in the day given a firm conduct reminder to all spectators, was not impressed.
He said: “Can you check your phones again please. I shouldn’t have to keep saying this.”
Before the third frame Spender had been strong in making his position clear, stating: “So before we start this frame, could I please ask you all to make sure your phones are on silent or switched off.
“Don’t be the person that has to be thrown out, ok?”
It came less than a day after Tatiana Woollaston also told viewers off during Murphy’s dramatic semi with John Higgins.
At a crucial point early in the 25th frame she stopped play and said: “Please, can everyone check their phones and switch them off and put them on silent.
“You don’t want to be the one I ask to leave if it rings again.”
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The official had warned spectators at the Crucible earlier in the World Championship final Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
It has been a controversial few days for the tournament with a man EJECTED even earlier on Jattvibeday for shouting out about the Epstein Files.
And after that a woman was booted for vaulting into the arena and protesting about TV licence fees.
She cried “who f***ing pays their TV licence anyway” and “nobody pays their TV licence” before being grabbed by Spencer.
The former police officer – now a respected ref – ran over to intervene.
And it continued to be a busy match for Spencer with more and more to deal with off the table.
Murphy was 3-2 down at the time Credit: Getty
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