Snooker: Doherty appalled by Allen's poor behaviour
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Thursday October 18 2007
Antrim's Mark Allen was branded "a disgrace" by Ken Doherty after beating the former world champion 4-3 in a group match at the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Aberdeen yesterday.
Doherty, already eliminated from the event after losing his first three group matches, was angered by a display of ill temper from 21-year-old Allen in the deciding frame.
Unhappy that German referee Bernie Mickeliet could not re-spot the black after it had been potted, Allen struck the side cushion with his fist.
Mickeliet, refereeing in the final stages of a world ranking event for the first time, told Allen he would be warned if he did that again, to which he retorted: "****ing warn me then."
The 21-year-old was not warned and eventually stole frame and match with a 38 clearance. Doherty, a model professional, was appalled with what he saw.
"He [Mark] was a disgrace. For such a relative newcomer to the pro game, he's got a serious attitude problem," the Dubliner said.
Allen admitted he had sworn but insisted it was down to frustration rather than any form of ill feeling towards Doherty.
"I was frustrated with myself, with the way things were going and with the table and when the black wouldn't spot that was my way of letting it all out," said Allen.
"My frustration wasn't directed at Ken in any way because his sportsmanship is exemplary.
It was entirely my own fault and if there are going to be any repercussions then so be it.
"It was one of those things that happened but I can tell you it won't happen again."
While Doherty and, indeed Fergal O'Brien departed, Judge held his nerve to secure a place in the last 16 as runner-up in Group F.
Judge needed to beat Ricky Walden in his closing round robin contest and did so 4-2, assisted by breaks of 56, 81 and 72. He goes forward to face Ronnie O'Sullivan this afternoon.
- Phil Yates
