Barry Hearn plays down Macau Five controversy: 'I don't blame them'

03/11/2023 12:38

Barry Hearn says he doesn’t blame the Macau Five for chasing ‘selfish’ goals, but has reminded them that they must ‘follow the rules’ in the future.

A group of players sparked some controversy as they chose to play in an exhibition in Macau, China while the Northern Ireland Open was held in Belfast.

Mark Selby, John Higgins, Luca Brecel, Ali Carter and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh became known as the Macau Five as they clashed with World Snooker Tour over their choice to play an exhibition over a ranking event.

The players felt they were free to do so, but WST insisted that playing an exhibition during a tour event would be in breach of their players’ contract.

The exhibition ended up being moved to December so there was no direct clash, but the five players involved had already withdrawn from Northern Ireland so couldn’t play in Belfast, leaving something of a frustrating resolution for them.

Former WST chairman and now honorary president Hearn had been bullish during the disagreement, telling the Mirror: ‘All of these players going to Macau are just selling their souls and themselves down the river for an extra few quid.

'I am disappointed in how selfish they have been, and how small-minded. I expect these five will be referred for disciplinary action by WST. And then we'll see whether they get fined, banned or thrown out.'