Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mark Allen could find himself in trouble with snooker authorities again after a series of Twitter outbursts about China.
Allen, no stranger to controversy having clashed with World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn and been fined for swearing in a press conference, is in Beijing for the Haikou China Open.
He tweeted: "This place is horrendous! Dead cat found this morning. Any wonder this place stinks! Must be dead cats all round the town!!"
The Daily Mirror reports he then wrote: "Journey a nightmare. People are ignorant. Place stinks. Arena's rubbish, tables poor, food is horrendous. Other than that I love China."
That tweet was later removed, and replaced with one saying: "Might've been a bit harsh a few hours ago in my tweet. Not all Chinese people are ignorant. I stand by everything else though."
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson described the comments as "extremely disappointing" and said his organisation would take a look at them.
He told the Daily Mirror: "Mark Allen's comments are extremely disappointing considering that China is a great friend of our sport.
"There has been a massive effort from China to support our players and I am sure this is an isolated view from one player.
"Our players must understand that their views expressed in the public arena can have a catastrophic effect on the game's development.
"These comments will now be reviewed by the WPBSA disciplinary committee."
Allen later tweeted again, saying: "From now on I will be a robot with no opinions or feelings. Hope that keeps everyone off my back for a while. Peace out!!!"
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments