Snooker final interrupted by spectator protest at the crucible
A protest by OnlyFans model Sasha Swan disrupted the World Snooker Championship final on May 3, 2026, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. As Shaun Murphy faced off against Wu Yize, tensions flared over the BBC’s funding model. The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Swan shouted, “who f—ing pays their TV licence anyway” before jumping over a barrier, leading to her ejection.
The incident briefly halted the match, which was being broadcast live on BBC One. It’s not the first time the World Snooker Championships have faced such disruptions; a similar protest occurred in 2024 involving Just Stop Oil activists. This latest interruption adds to a growing list of protests targeting high-profile events.
Key facts:
- The final match saw Wu Yize leading Shaun Murphy with a score of 10-7 after two sessions.
- Sasha Swan’s protest highlights ongoing public debate regarding the BBC licence fee.
- Another spectator was ejected during the semi-final for shouting about the Epstein files.
John Parrott, commenting on the disruption, reassured viewers that “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.” Meanwhile, Rob Spencer warned attendees before the match to keep their phones silent and avoid being thrown out. Yet, despite these precautions, protests seem to be becoming a recurring theme at major sporting events.
Officials have not clarified whether further security measures will be implemented for upcoming matches. As tensions around media funding continue to rise, it remains uncertain how this will impact future events at prestigious venues like the Crucible Theatre.


