Kyren Wilson launches attack on Crucible crowd after World Snooker Championship exit | Other | Sport

In the end, Allen put on the afterburners and eventually won the match, meaning Wilson has tasted victory just once at the Crucible since being crowned champion two years ago. Despite that, he’s hit back at criticisms surrounding his celebrations from the first-round win over Stan Moody.

Wilson had punched the air after beating the teenager, before throwing his hand in the air at the crowd while walking out of the arena. It led to some suggesting he’d overcelebrated at the expense of the Crucible debutant.

Responding to those claims, the Warrior said: “I mean, what planet are these people on? You’re in the World Championships. Do you not celebrate? If Ronnie celebrates against me when he’s 20 years my superior, is that wrong of him? I don’t understand it whatsoever.

“You know, if Stan celebrated and it was against me, is he wrong? I don’t know. At the end of the day, it shows how much I want to win. I’ve got my kids cheering me on at home, dressed in full attire. I want to give them something to celebrate. So I couldn’t care less if people don’t appreciate it. In my opinion, don’t watch me.”

Shaun Murphy was quick to defend his competitor, stating: “I think when you’re overcome with emotion, even if you don’t shake [hands], it’s not meant in malice. There’s no malice behind it.

“I’ve known Kyren since he was a boy, there would be no malice meant behind it. He’s just won a match from 6-2 behind in the first round. He’s entitled to celebrate. I don’t think he will have meant anything by it.”

There were no such celebrations in the second round tie against Allen, given the Northern Irishman edged a thrilling Crucible clash. Commenting on the win afterwards, he explained: “In that third session I felt like he upped his rhythm a little bit, scored a bit more freely and kind of just looked a little bit more confident.

“So I just said, ‘listen, if you play like that, you’ve got every chance of winning it,’ because we all know what a gritty, determined character he is and what bottle he’s got. I’d love to see him win it.”