Shaun Murphy says feud with Ronnie O’Sullivan began after alleged abuse when he was 12.

Shaun Murphy has said that his long-running feud with Ronnie O’Sullivan can be traced back to an alleged incident from his childhood, when Murphy was just 12 years old.

 

 

Speaking openly about the origins of the tension between the two snooker players, Murphy claimed that O’Sullivan verbally abused him during an encounter early in his career. According to Murphy, the incident left a lasting impression and marked the beginning of a strained relationship that has followed them throughout their time in the professional game.

Murphy, who went on to become the 2005 World Snooker Champion, said the alleged confrontation occurred when he was still a young and aspiring player, long before he had established himself on the professional circuit. He suggested that the experience was both upsetting and formative, shaping how he viewed O’Sullivan in the years that followed.

While Murphy did not provide extensive details of the alleged exchange, he described it as significant enough to remain vivid in his memory decades later. He indicated that the encounter created an underlying sense of animosity that was never fully resolved, despite both players achieving success and longevity in the sport.

Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, has not publicly commented on Murphy’s specific claims. The pair have crossed paths numerous times during their professional careers, often in high-profile matches, with their relationship frequently perceived as distant or tense by fans and commentators.

Over the years, both players have made occasional remarks that hinted at mutual friction. Murphy has previously spoken about feeling disrespected by certain figures in the sport, while O’Sullivan has been outspoken and controversial throughout his career, often making headlines for his blunt opinions and confrontations.

The revelation adds context to what many fans have long viewed as an uneasy dynamic between the two. While rivalries are common in elite sport, Murphy’s comments suggest that this particular feud may be rooted in personal history rather than purely competitive differences.

Despite the alleged incident, Murphy has emphasized his own achievements and resilience, noting that he went on to build a successful career regardless of early setbacks. He remains one of snooker’s most recognisable figures, both for his performances at the table and his work as a commentator and pundit.

The sport of snooker has seen its share of intense rivalries, and personalities like O’Sullivan have often divided opinion. Murphy’s comments may reignite debate among fans about professionalism, conduct, and the treatment of young players within the sport.

As with many disputes that span decades, perspectives differ, and memories can be subjective. Without a response from O’Sullivan, Murphy’s account stands as one side of a long and complex story—one that appears to have shaped a relationship defined as much by personal history as by competition on the baize.