Paul Scholes has opened up on his experience watching Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Crucible after receiving an apology from the BBC. The former Manchester United and England midfielder was in attendance for the second session of O’Sullivan’s first-round match against Chinese debutant He Guoqiang. The Rocket led 7-2 from the first session and needed just three more frames to secure his place in the last 16.
Scholes was shown on the BBC cameras at the start of the second session, but the match was completed soon after with O’Sullivan romping to victory. The football legend went on to receive an apology from commentator John Parrott, who said: “Paul Scholes might have enjoyed this but he’s only going to see three frames of it. Sorry Paul, this man is just too good.”
Scholes has since revealed that he loved his experience at the Crucible regardless, with the 51-year-old receiving special treatment upon his arrival at the Sheffield venue.
“On my phone, had a look to see if you could buy a ticket. There was one ticket left in the whole theatre. It was three seats away from Ronnie. I’ve clicked on it and it was £450 and I just thought: ‘F*** it, I’m doing it’. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
“I got there and I didn’t really know where to go and this woman came over. She was like the events manager. I get a guided tour of everywhere, she shows me where they all stand to walk out and stuff.
“She took me to the table to sit in Ronnie’s chair and have a picture. I don’t really get excited by much stuff, but this was f****** unbelievable, one of the best things I’ve ever done.
“They took me down to my seat, three seats away from him. Honestly, peace and quiet. I could have sat in that chair for two weeks.”
O’Sullivan was later seen acknowledging Scholes with a thumbs up while sat in his chair, which surprised the former England international as he wasn’t sure if he would be recognised.
“I didn’t know if he knew who I was,” added Scholes. “I don’t know, do I? I’ve no idea. But he did let on to me at the end of it when he was packing his cue up, so I thought: ‘Oh, f****** hell, he knows who I am’.”
O’Sullivan has since been dumped out of the World Snooker Championship, losing to John Higgins in the second round after throwing away a commanding lead.
He twice led by five frames but lost six on the bounce across the final two sessions, with Higgins firing three centuries before getting over the line in a decisive final frame.