Police offer update on World Snooker Championship fan reported for 'nibbling boy's ear'
Police have issued a statement over an incident that took place at the World Snooker Championship.
South Yorkshire Police have closed off their investigation into a video that seemingly showed a spectator ‘nibbling a boy’s ear’ at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. The incident took place on April 25 while BBC pundit Stephen Hendry was speaking on camera alongside John Parrott and host Hazel Irvine, discussing David Gilbert’s last-16 match with Robert Milkins.
But during the live footage, an adult male appeared to lean over and whisper in the ear of a boy, before seemingly biting his ear as the youngster waved awkwardly on the camera.
The incident duly went viral on social media, leaving many users alarmed.
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The following day, a police statement read: “Yesterday, Thursday 25 April at 9:20pm, we received a call to inform us of a video circulating on social media of a man and a boy at the Winter Gardens in Sheffield. We are aware of the footage and officers will be reviewing the content.”
Referencing the mass amount of comments online, they added: “We would encourage the public not to speculate about the footage and the circumstances surrounding the content."
The World Snooker Tour also reportedly received complaints, releasing their own statement that said: “We are aware of this incident and it is now a police matter.”
But the case has now been closed, with no charges brought against those involved. That’s pending any further information that would warrant the investigation being reopened.
A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed: “Following review of the video, officers have determined no crime has been committed and the investigation has been filed.”
After the incident had taken place, the man himself also looked up at the cameras and waved, implying the pair were having a joke together. Many speculated that it was a deliberate attempt to get on television.
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During the 2024 championships, speculation mounted that fans would soon no longer be able to watch the event at the Crucible. That’s after many leading players backed the prospect of moving the event to Saudi.
The competition has been held at the famous Sheffield venue since 1977, but has a capacity of just 980 people. Former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn has said for the competition to say there after its contract ends in 2027, the arena would need to be redeveloped.
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