‘What’s funny?’ – Snooker referee had awkward row with legend that saw Ronnie O’Sullivan wade in

Jimmy White was issued with a stern warning after hitting out at a referee at the 2022 Northern Ireland Open.

The legendary player took exception to referee Ben Williams during his 4-0 defeat to Luca Brecel in the second round in Belfast.

White was 3-0 down when Williams wrongly nominated the blue ball instead of the brown after White potted a red in the fourth frame.

The Whirlwind was quick to correct the referee’s mistake but it was Williams’ response to his error that appeared to irk White.

Williams was heard giggling at his wrong call however White was in no mood to share in the amusement.

Visibly annoyed by the incident, White was heard asking him, “what's funny about that?”

He was later seen sticking his index finger up at the referee.

The referee quickly changed his manner in response to White and said: “Jimmy, I'm gonna give you a warning.”

White then asked: “What for?” before Williams explained: “For sticking your finger up at me there.”

Another warning came the way of the four-time world champion as Williams stated that any similar antics would result in the frame being awarded to Brecel.

White subsequently missed the Brown before slipping to defeat. The pair did shake hands after the match but White told Williams to “look at the video” footage.

Ronnie O’Sullivan was quick to defend White claiming the referee’s behaviour was uncalled for.

“I can see why Jimmy didn't see the funny side there,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport. “He’s having a hard time out there, he’s not playing well.

“We saw Jimmy has walked round, so it might look like he's looking at the blue. The referee has jumped the gun and there's no reason to call a colour. Whatever ball he’s going to hit, it’s the one he’s intending to hit.

“Then the referee starts laughing and Jimmy has done nothing with his hand other than, ‘What’s going on, I don’t need this’.

“Then he’s warned him, it’s just uncalled for really.”

Eurosport pundit Alan McManus agreed with O’Sullivan’s take and claimed that the referee acted incorrectly.

“I can understand Jimmy,” said McManus. “It's a serious business at the easiest of times out there and Jimmy is super serious about today and about his big match. He's fully tuned in.

“You can have moments of hilarity out there when the occasion suits it, but Jimmy’s got a brown that gets him down in amongst the reds.

“He doesn’t want any of that. I'll be honest, the referee should have said, ‘Apologies Jimmy, brown ball, thank you’ and then we carry on, it doesn’t become anything.

“But Jimmy is so het up about things, the slightest little thing can knock him.”