Snooker final interrupted by spectator protest at the crucible
A protest by Sasha Swan, an OnlyFans model, disrupted the World Snooker Championship final on May 3, 2026, at the Crucible Theatre. The incident highlighted rising tensions surrounding the BBC’s funding model.
The match featured Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize, with Wu leading 10-7 after two sessions. As the players prepared for a pivotal moment, Swan jumped over a barrier and shouted, “who f—ing pays their TV licence anyway?” This unexpected interruption momentarily halted play and led to her ejection from the venue.
This wasn’t an isolated event. Just days earlier, another spectator had been removed during a semi-final for shouting about the Epstein files. These incidents are part of a troubling trend of protests that have marred this year’s championship.
Key moments of disruption:
- Sasha Swan’s protest during the final match between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize.
- Wu Yize held a lead of 10-7 after two sessions when the protest occurred.
- Another spectator was ejected for shouting during a semi-final match.
John Parrott, commenting on the situation, reassured viewers: “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.” Meanwhile, Rob Spencer reminded fans to keep their phones silent to avoid further disruptions.
The World Snooker Championship has faced similar protests in previous years. In 2024, Just Stop Oil activists targeted the finals, drawing attention to environmental issues. This year’s protests reflect deeper societal concerns regarding media funding and accountability.
As tensions around funding models continue to escalate, one thing is clear: such interruptions may become more common in high-profile events like this. With no clear resolution in sight regarding public sentiment towards the BBC licence fee, future matches could see more protests disrupting play.
