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Allen charged over Chinese cheat accusations

Mark Allen was frustrated in his defeat to Cao Yupeng © Getty Images

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• News: Allen slapped with ban & fine for cheat slur
  

Mark Allen will face a disciplinary charge from snooker's governing body over comments he made about Cao Yupeng following his exit from the World Championship.

Allen was surprisingly beaten by Chinese qualifier Cao in the first round at The Crucible this week, after which he suggested that his opponent had cheated at a crucial juncture in the match - before going on to claim that such conduct was common in Chinese players.

"I thought the big turning point was at 5-4 when he was in the balls and ... the referee missed a blatant push," Allen said. "It was quite obvious to me and anyone who was watching at home would have been able to see it.

"It seems to be a bit of a trait for the Chinese players because there've been instances in the past, of fouls and blatant cheating going on. It needs to be corrected."

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson confirmed Allen would face a reprimand, saying the organisation takes "very seriously comments made which could be perceived to be directed at a particular nation."

This is not the first time Allen has found himself in hot water, after he criticised tournament conditions in China recently on Twitter. World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn indicated that Allen's most recent outburst was unacceptable.

"To effectively accuse your opponent of cheating is looked on as bringing the game into disrepute," said Hearn. "Time and time again Mark seems unable to control himself in his public statements. Sometimes I am speechless."

He added: "Players have rules written in their contracts and they are not allowed to say certain things. If they do, they are in breach of tournament regulations and will come under a disciplinary process.

"Whether there has been a push shot or not is pretty much academic - it's the slant of the comments that Mark made afterwards. He had the chance to say to the referee that he believed he had made a mistake, but did not take that opportunity."

Television replays suggested that Cao did indeed touch the cue ball twice, although the youngster denied any awareness of an infraction - saying he was engrossed in the game at the time.

"I was just focusing on playing. I didn't realise if I had fouled," Cao said. "If I fouled, I say sorry. If I didn't foul, and Mark said that, then I would feel very upset and angry."

Allen has 14 days to respond to the charge.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.