Ronnie O'Sullivan set for disciplinary action after lewd gesture

Ronnie O’Sullivan faces disciplinary action after being caught on TV making a lewd gesture at the Crucible.

The Rocket powered into the last 16 of the Betfred World Championship with a 10-5 win over David Gilbert in Sheffield.

But after missing a black off its spot in the 13th frame, the game’s box-office star was filmed making the gesture.

O’Sullivan does have previous in this area. In 2008 he was fined £2,750 and docked 700 ranking points for making obscene gestures and comments at the China Open.

In 2013 O'Sullivan made a rude gesture with his hand during a semi-final clash against Judd Trump at the Crucible. That resulted in him being criticised by referee Michaela Tabb.

Following his victory against Gilbert, O'Sullivan will take on either Mark Allen or Scott Donaldson in the second round.

O'Sullivan stressed that his 'Gladiator' mentality is the key to his longevity in the sport. 

On challenging for the title at the age of 46, O’Sullivan said: ‘I think I can play on for a lot longer. I’ll keep hanging around and be a pain to play against. It’s like Gladiator. It’s like Russell Crowe. He’s got a hole in his arm, he knows he’s going to die but you just have to find a way.’

O’Sullivan recently insisted he is not motivated by trying to match Stephen Hendry’s record haul of seven world titles. 

He said: ‘Seven, eight, nine, ten, they are just numbers to me. If people want to talk about it, great, but I am just enjoying my life. Snooker is the least important thing in my life.

‘I don’t get tied into all these records and stuff. Life first, snooker after.

‘I think anyone can win the tournament this year because there are so many good players.

‘The first round is going to be like Formula One into the first corner, it’s