Snooker fans have hit back at Ronnie O’Sullivan after the Rocket suggested moving the World Snooker Championship to Saudi Arabia or China. The seven-time world champion has admitted that he dislikes the iconic Crucible venue and feels the experience for players would be better in the Middle East or Asia.

The Crucible has hosted the World Championship since 1977. It has a deal to be the tournament’s venue until at least 2027.

But O’Sullivan is not a fan of the World Championship’s Sheffield home, insisting that it is too difficult to get in and out. Instead, the 48-year-old wants Saudi Arabia or China to have the rights to host the tournament.

He said that the competition would be hosted “properly” with those countries’ vast resources. Courtesy cars would be laid on for players, with extra security, better food and accommodation, and a bigger prize pot.

But fans are unhappy with O’Sullivan’s comments. “No word about the audience. Oh wait, there wouldn’t be any,” wrote snooker fan page SnookerPro1 with a clown emoji.

CuePowerBlog added: “Ronnie says he wants more luxurious accommodations and hospitality and Saudi Arabia would be a good place for world champs.

“I don’t know if others would say this but I will, he’s a k**b elitist princess, that’s what he is.”

Responding to a tweet containing O’Sullivan’s quotes, @Richard56516231 sarcastically wrote: “So, so sorry he feels inconvenienced by Sheffield #livinginabubble #FirstWorldProblems #entitlement.”

@Sn00ks89 was more diplomatic, adding: “I see his point about venue quality and the treatment players get, but the idea that *any* existing tournament, let alone the biggest event on the snooker calendar, would be better off in Saudi is ridiculous.”

It comes after O’Sullivan told The Sun: “I don’t like the Crucible. I don’t think you can get in and out of it. I think it’s a wise decision to take it away from Sheffield. Still have a tournament there. Why not?