English professional snooker player Matthew Selt has been handed a three-month suspended ban and fined £21,000 following incidents of “rude and aggressive” behavior during the 2024 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) announced these disciplinary measures after Selt accepted the charges and issued apologies to those involved.
Details of the Incident
The charges against Selt, currently ranked 33rd in the world, stem from multiple incidents during the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters held in Riyadh. According to the WPBSA, Selt exhibited aggressive behavior and used abusive language towards a senior Matchroom executive in the presence of a key World Snooker Tour (WST) partner. Additionally, he sent an abusive text message to a fellow WPBSA member. These actions were deemed violations of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations and Selt’s contract with World Snooker.
The WPBSA’s official statement detailed the nature of Selt’s misconduct:
- He was aggressive in his behavior and used rude and abusive language towards a Matchroom senior executive in the presence of an important WST partner.
- He sent an abusive text message to another WPBSA member.
- He was aggressive in his behavior and used rude and abusive language towards a WPBSA member.
These incidents occurred during the tournament, where Selt was eliminated after a 5-3 loss to China’s Pang Junxu in the fourth round.
Disciplinary Actions Imposed
In response to these violations, the WPBSA imposed a three-month suspension on Selt, which will remain suspended until the end of the 2025/2026 snooker season. This suspension will be activated if Selt is found guilty of any further breaches during this period. He has also been fined £10,000 and ordered to pay an additional £11,000 towards the WPBSA’s legal costs.
Selt, who serves as the vice chairman of the WPBSA Players Association, accepted the allegations and offered a full apology to the individuals concerned. He cited significant stress and pressure at the time of the incidents as contributing factors to his behavior.
The WPBSA emphasized the importance of professional conduct among its members, stating:
“Members shall, at all times, behave in a proper and correct manner consistent with their status as professional sportsmen.”
This statement underscores the association’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the sport.
Previous Incidents of Misconduct
This is not the first time Selt has faced scrutiny for his conduct. In December 2024, during the German Masters qualifying event in Sheffield, he was criticized for an outburst directed at 18-year-old Latvian player Artemijs Zizins and the match referee. Selt shouted in frustration when Zizins fluked a match-ball red in the final frame and told the referee to “shut up” amid backstage commotion. Loud bangs and crashes were heard off-camera as Selt left the playing area.
Additionally, during a Champions League match, Selt refused to shake hands with Neil Robertson after losing in a deciding frame. As Robertson was potting the pink ball, Selt shook the referee’s hand and left without acknowledging his opponent. These incidents have raised questions about Selt’s professionalism and adherence to the sport’s code of conduct.
Professional Background
Born on March 7, 1985, in Romford, London, Matthew Selt turned professional in 2002. He achieved his first ranking title at the 2019 Indian Open, defeating Lyu Haotian in the final. Despite his skills on the table, Selt’s career has been marred by instances of misconduct, leading to concerns about his behavior and its impact on the sport’s image.
Looking Ahead
Selt is scheduled to compete against Kyren Wilson in the upcoming World Grand Prix in Hong Kong next month. His participation in future events will be closely monitored, given that any further infractions could trigger the activation of his suspended ban. The WPBSA has made it clear that maintaining the sport’s integrity is paramount, and any behavior that brings the game into disrepute will not be tolerated.
This incident serves as a reminder of the high standards of behavior expected from professional athletes and the consequences of failing to uphold these standards. The WPBSA’s decisive action reflects its commitment to preserving the sport’s reputation and ensuring that all players adhere to the established code of conduct.
As the snooker community continues to evolve, the emphasis on professionalism and respect both on and off the table remains a cornerstone of the sport. Players are reminded that their actions not only affect their careers but also influence the perception of snooker worldwide.
In conclusion, while Matthew Selt’s talent on the snooker table is undeniable, his recent actions highlight the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism in high-pressure situations. The WPBSA’s response underscores the organization’s dedication to upholding the sport’s values and serves as a cautionary tale for all players about the repercussions of misconduct.
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