Former world champ offers surprise stance on match-fixer Stephen Lee returning after ban

Shaun Murphy has been forthright regarding Stephen Lee being able to make a return to snooker after serving a 12-year match-fixing ban.

Previously ranked as the world's fifth, Lee's professional status was marred by accusations of manipulating match outcomes and resulted in him being barred from competing in 2012. In 2013, he was found guilty of influencing the results of seven matches during 2008 and 2009, with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association labelling it the most egregious example of corruption the sport had ever seen.

Despite Lee maintaining his innocence and expressing anguish over the "huge punishment", he was condemned after an extensive hearing. His ban stood out as one of the harshest in snooker history until Liang Wenbo and Li Hang received permanent exclusions for similar offences in 2023.

Lee now finds himself able to return to the playing field, igniting debate over his potential comeback. Murphy, discussing the issue on the OneFourSeven Snooker Podcast, shared a contentious view that Lee warrants another shot in the game, yet made it clear he can't see him making a return to the table.

When probed on if he believes Lee will compete again, Murphy said: "I don't think so. Not until he pays his fines that are outstanding to the WPBSA and the legal costs and all the rest of it." Murphy also appeared to be open to the idea of Lee making a comeback even at 50, adding: "But, you know, we live in a society where you do the crime, you do the time, and everyone is entitled to a second chance aren't they?

"He was an incredible player with a Rolls-Royce cue action and just a great guy off the table. I never had a cross word with him. He was a beautiful player to watch, a winner." He continued: