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John Higgins suspended following News of the World allegations to fix snooker matches

Snooker chief Barry Hearn has confirmed the suspension of John Higgins following allegations in the News of the World.

John Higgins - World Snooker 2010: allegations against John Higgins kill the essence of sport
Snookered: John Higgins has been suspended from all future tournaments after allegedly agreeing to take a bribe to lose frames Credit: Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Higgins and his manager Pat Mooney were filmed by the newspaper allegedly agreeing to accept £261,000 in return for arranging the outcome of four frames in matches to be played later this year.

Mooney himself has had his resignation from the WPBSA's board accepted by the sport's governing body.

World Snooker chairman Hearn told talkSPORT: "A press release will be issued which will say Pat Mooney has resigned from the WPBSA board, while John Higgins has been suspended from all future WPBSA events subject to an investigation which begins immediately - and this will be dealt with in a summary fashion.

"I don't think I've ever felt so let down or kicked. We're working so hard on revitalising the game and there are lots of people pulling in the right direction.

"We wanted the headlines to be about Steve Davis' revitalisation, Stephen Hendry's recovery...but all we're talking about is the News of the World expose on John Higgins and his manager, which has left me feeling devastated."

Hearn continued on talkSPORT: "We can't afford, nor will I tolerate, anybody or anything that adversely affects the integrity of the game. I take this matter terribly seriously, obviously not prejudging. That's why there's a disciplinary process.

"I'm not prepared to see the sport die under this type of publicity.

"I know there may be reasons, excuses - but I don't want to get involved in that.

"This situation has been allowed to happen and there are repercussions for the sport I hold very close.

"I've found a lot of things wrong in the business and commercial sense, such as a lack of events, kids not getting opportunities.

"I know in my heart of hearts I can put those things right - but I can't cope with this.

"My first reaction was to walk away but the second was 'no, this means something to me' and I'm not prepared to do that.

"So I'm staying and dealing with it but I'm going to take it very seriously.

"We at the top of the game have a responsibility and my message to fans is 'this is not going ruin this game'. We're going to deal with this issue."