EXCLUSIVE: Mark Allen slams Shaun Murphy and says he has changed his opinion of snooker rival
Mark Allen and Shaun Murphy were involved in a social media spat earlier this year, with the Northern Irishman now insisting that his opinion of the 2005 world champion has changed
Mark Allen has admitted that his views on Shaun Murphy have shifted after a bitter online row.
The 38 year-old-snooker ace from Northern Ireland clashed with Murphy, 42, over the playing conditions at the British Open in September, which led to Murphy slamming remarks as "rude and amateurish". Not one to hold back, Allen took to social media to dismiss the 12-time ranking title winner as "irrelevant".
He posted: "Anyone taking @Magician147 opinions seriously, I seriously question their judgement or quite possibly their sanity, not gonna lie. Anyway, maybe I'll take 3 cues to my next match." In response to a user who defended Murphy's track record of four world finals appearances, stating his views are "perfectly valid", Allen sharply retorted: "You misspelled irrelevant."
Contrary to what many snooker enthusiasts might think, this wasn't just a fleeting moment of anger for Allen. Speaking to Mirror Sport, he revealed that his perspective on Murphy has indeed taken a turn. He said: "I think he's changed a bit in my view if I'm honest.
READ MORE: Former world snooker champion calls for Judd Trump to 'remove curse' he's put on himREAD MORE: Who is Bai Yulu? Female snooker star, 21, on verge of history in UK Championship"Some of the things he said just made no sense to me to the extent that some of the things he said recently are completely the opposite of what he's said in the past. At least if you're going to speak rubbish, speak rubbish consistently... don't change your tune."
Allen critiqued further, highlighting how Murphy had seemingly reversed his stance on Stephen Lee's return to the sport following a 12-year suspension for match fixing. He continued: "He said that all players who were involved in the match fixing thing should never play snooker again, then he's asked on Stephen Lee about a comeback and he said, 'welcome him back with open now he's served his time,' so which is it?
"You can't just chop and change. And then he's complaining about Kyren (Wilson) having a go with not being on the main table more as world champion, but then someone sent me an article from when he was world champion complaining about exactly the same thing.
"At least if you're going to be opinionated, stick to your guns. Don't chop and change depending whenever it suits or depending on what role you're in in the game."
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