Just in: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s X-rated outburst against Ali Carter has prompted World Snooker Tour officials to open an investigation.

January 16, London (Reuters) – The World Snooker Tour is looking into Ronnie O’Sullivan’s verbal altercation with fellow Englishman Ali Carter after the latter won his ninth Masters title over the weekend.

Following criticism of Carter’s behavior during the final at London’s Alexandra Palace by his opponent, O’Sullivan declared that Carter was “not a nice person” and that he needed counseling. Carter said that the top player in the world was “snotting”—that is, wiping his nose—”all over the floor.”
“Carter is dealing with problems. In reaction to the accusations, O’Sullivan, also known as “The Rocket,” stated, “He’s got to go and sort his life out.”
“He needs to go see a therapist or something.” That’s not good, therefore he has to deal with that.

“I stay away from him. He and I haven’t communicated in twenty years. When he was younger, I played with him and we shared a lot of things. Everyone knows what he’s like, he has problems, so for him to come out and trash speak me like that is not good. Why is he having problems with me? I refuse to accept it. I’m not bothered.”

Along with calling Carter a dreadful opponent to play against, O’Sullivan also had a run-in with the player in 2018 when the two’shoulder-barged’ each other during a match at the World Championship.
“He’s terrifying. It’s a nightmare to have to play snooker against someone like him. The seven-time world champion claimed, “(He’s) not a nice person, not a nice vibe that he leaves around the table.”

When contacted on Tuesday after O’Sullivan and Carter’s most recent standoff, a World Snooker Tour representative stated that the remarks “were under review.”
Later on Tuesday, Carter responded to O’Sullivan.
Carter, who was defeated 10–7, told ITV, “It makes no difference to me what he says — he says different things on different days,” “I actually feel a little sorry for him because I don’t think he even knows what will come out of his mouth at certain times.” He is not doing well, in my opinion. Thus, we proceed and will do it once more this week.”
By Martyn Herman with reporting Toby Davis and Christian Radnedge edited this.