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From this month's Snooker Scene:
If the snooker player's fines are anything to go by, that will be a biggie...
Mike Russell was facing disciplinary action from the WPBSA after various incidents in the 12 day festival of billiards at the Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds.
The complaints mostly arose from Russell's reluctance to observe the ban on players drinking alcohol during matches.
During the Jim Williamson Trophy, the joint tournament director, Steve Starkie, warned Russell that this ban would be enforced without exception.
However, when Starkie had cause to speak to him again, Russell responded with a volley of abuse which allegedly included a threat to use his cue for a purpose for which it was never intended.
The other joint tournament director, Clive Scott, issued a formal warning to Russell later when the atmosphere was less heated although another incident arose when a friend of Russell's purchased a glass of vodka and lemonade and placed it in his corner.
However, the glass disappeared before it could be established that Russell had drunk from it.
An official complaint against Russell has been submitted by Robert Marshall following their second round match in the Jim Wiliamson Trophy.
For reasons that are not clear, Russell refused Marshall's offer of a handshake at the start of the match and there was no handshake at the end of it either.
Marshall told Russell that his behaviour ill befitted a many times world champion; Russell suggested resolving their differences in the car park.
Russell must also answer libel proceedings commenced by Peter Ainsworth, the long serving and much respected EASB company secretary, following highly defamatory remarks in a website posting.
Though eventually taken down, these could be read for more than 24 hours at a time when the World Billiards Championships would have been attracting even more visitors than usual to this site.
Ainsworth's solicitors, Ward Hadaway, have sent Russell the customary 'letter before action' to warn him that damages and costs, an unqualified apology, and a retraction will be sought for the hurt, distress and harm to reputation that their client has suffered.
The complaints mostly arose from Russell's reluctance to observe the ban on players drinking alcohol during matches.
During the Jim Williamson Trophy, the joint tournament director, Steve Starkie, warned Russell that this ban would be enforced without exception.
However, when Starkie had cause to speak to him again, Russell responded with a volley of abuse which allegedly included a threat to use his cue for a purpose for which it was never intended.
The other joint tournament director, Clive Scott, issued a formal warning to Russell later when the atmosphere was less heated although another incident arose when a friend of Russell's purchased a glass of vodka and lemonade and placed it in his corner.
However, the glass disappeared before it could be established that Russell had drunk from it.
An official complaint against Russell has been submitted by Robert Marshall following their second round match in the Jim Wiliamson Trophy.
For reasons that are not clear, Russell refused Marshall's offer of a handshake at the start of the match and there was no handshake at the end of it either.
Marshall told Russell that his behaviour ill befitted a many times world champion; Russell suggested resolving their differences in the car park.
Russell must also answer libel proceedings commenced by Peter Ainsworth, the long serving and much respected EASB company secretary, following highly defamatory remarks in a website posting.
Though eventually taken down, these could be read for more than 24 hours at a time when the World Billiards Championships would have been attracting even more visitors than usual to this site.
Ainsworth's solicitors, Ward Hadaway, have sent Russell the customary 'letter before action' to warn him that damages and costs, an unqualified apology, and a retraction will be sought for the hurt, distress and harm to reputation that their client has suffered.
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