Snooker fans issue same complaint after watching BBC coverage of World Championship final | Other | Sport

That’s despite heading into the 2026 World Championship having failed to win a match at the historic Sheffield venue. On his way to glory, Wu dispatched Lei Peifan, Mark Selby, Hossein Vafaei and Mark Allen, before ultimately toppling the ‘Magician’ in the final. However, on the face of things, it appeared as though the crowd inside the Crucible were booing Wu as he was crowned winner.

And fans watching the BBC‘s coverage from home took to social media to vent as a result. One wrote: “I’m disgusted by the audience in The Crucible booing Wu Yize. Bunch of bullies, they should be barred. The lad is an amazing player and he won the Championship fair and square!”

Another added: “The boo’s are pathetic. Don’t go to the snooker if you can’t take losing, you twerps,” while a third said: “Not a fan of the booing at the snooker honestly supposed to be a gentleman’s sport.”

A fourth pondered: “Am I mistaken, or did an audience just boo a Snooker world champion?” while a fifth vented: “Shocking to hear so called fans boo at the snooker final today. Really poor sports fans.”

A sixth said: “Why are none of the commentators calling out the booing from the crowd at the snooker final when Wu Yize wins a game? It’s appalling!” while a seventh commented: “Watching snooker final, wtf are people booing Wu Yize? Never heard that done before in the crucible. Usually a well managed affair.”

However, the crowd were not actually booing Wu, rather “Wuuuuuing,” him in support. It’s a move that the player spoke about in his winner’s speech, adding that he was confused by it at first, also thinking he was being met with a frosty reception of jeers.

He said: “At the beginning, I had a misunderstanding. I thought the people were booing me! But then the staff told me they were cheering. I can’t thank you enough. No matter who you support, I think the love for snooker is mutual.”

A number of others on social media were wise to the showing of support, working to provide clarity for those who also assumed that Wu was being booed. One wrote: “They were not booing they were ‘Wuuuing’ think people would have been kicked out if it was the former.”

Another added: “Don’t worry, even Wu Yize thought the fans were booing him to begin with. Amazing talent, expect to see this fella in a lot more finals!

It comes as 22-year-old Yize also paid tribute to his parents while speaking after his win – his mother and father visibly moved during the trophy ceremony. He explained: “I have been trying to go for this dream for ages. I am so happy. My parents are the true champions.

“Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been at my side. My mum has also gone through a lot over the years. They are the source of my strength. I love them so much.”