'It is a serious situation' - Jimmy White on why referee should have said sorry at Northern Ireland Open

Jimmy White says he has no regrets about his part in the incident between himself and referee Ben Williams at the Northern Ireland Open. Williams mistakenly called the wrong ball, then corrected his error, before laughing — and White repeatedly questioned, “why are you laughing” in the fourth frame of his match against Luca Brecel. Ad White stuck a finger up towards the referee, which appeared to be his index finger, only to be given a warning by Williams for his conduct.

Northern Ireland OpenBrilliant red from Hill sets him up to extend lead ahead of Trump29 MINUTES AGO “He’s given me a warning because he thinks I did a hand gesture, which I didn’t,” explained White in the Eurosport studio. “What I was frustrated about is, I’m 3-0 down, this guy [Brecel] is potting balls, I’m trying my best. We’re playing a serious match, this is not an exhibition match.

This is not a fun situation. “I’m one of the lucky ones. It could be one of the guys out there who is playing for their mortgage.

“All of a sudden I’ve come on the brown in the middle and he’s said ‘blue’. I looked at him and said ‘no, brown’ and he starts laughing. All he’s got to do is turn around and say, ‘Ok, sorry brown’ and we get on with the game.

“But then he thinks I’ve given a gesture which he now realises I didn’t. I’ve got no problem with him. But this is a snooker match, I’m trying as hard as I can to win.