- Matthew Selt left furious after losing to 18-year-old rival in Sheffield
- The British billiards player collapsed after losing the competition.
- Selt could be heard telling the referee to “shut up” as he stormed off after losing.
A professional British snooker player told the match referee to “shut up” as he fumed immediately after losing to a teenage opponent.
Matthew Selt was competing in Sheffield’s Ponds Forge tournament against 18-year-old Latvian star Artemijs Zizins, who ultimately emerged victorious from the contest.
The 39-year-old Briton was attempting to qualify for the German Masters, but was left dissatisfied when a stroke of luck helped Zizins claim victory in the decisive final frame.
With the game tied 4-4, Zizins needed a red card to pass the match ball and initially missed his attempt before the ball fell into a different pocket.
The youngster intended for his shot to sink into the top right pocket only to hit the cushion and slowly roll down the table toward the opposite hole.
The youngster’s stroke of good luck helped him win the match and his shot elicited cries of unsportsmanlike frustration from Selt.
British snooker player Matthew Selt (pictured) became enraged during his recent loss against a teenager.
Selt quickly packed up his cue immediately after the loss before storming out.
Video footage shows Selt shouting “Oh my God!” as his opponent’s shot leaked into the pocket, but his anger didn’t stop there as the situation escalated.
An annoyed shaking of the head followed and Selt appeared to mutter under his breath as Zizins and the match referee stood awkwardly on the sidelines.
Selt quickly put away his signal with his anger evidently boiling as he sought to make a quick exit mere seconds after his defeat was confirmed.
The two players finally shook hands with Zizins wishing Selt “a good Christmas” and the British loser responded silently “and you.”
However, the most surprising outburst was yet to come when noises were heard off-camera as Selt stormed away from the table before the referee said: “Matthew, please.”
Video footage shows Selt shouting “Oh my God!” since his opponent benefited from a stroke of good luck
A voice believed to be Selt responded rudely shouting, “shut up” before the video cut off.
Supporters angered the exchange on X with one comment saying, “There should be consequences for behavior like that.” Aside from anything else, look at the impact on the younger player. Classy, Matt.
Another post on the social media platform similarly added: “That’s snooker, everyone’s got a bit of luck.” Selt must have suffered the same fate at some point in his career.
‘Acting like this when your opponent is at the table is not acceptable. He should know better and he should be fined.’