Snooker vs The Russian Mafia

[slymaster]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8656905.stm

World number one John Higgins has been suspended from all future tournaments after reportedly agreeing to take a £261,000 bribe to lose frames.
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Damned doesnt look good for Mr. Higgings/Snooker.

[slymaster]

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/80 ... -cash.html

MILLIONAIRE World Snooker champion John Higgins is captured here on camera shaking hands on a disgraceful deal to fix a string of high-profile matches after demanding a £300,000 kickback.

[youtube][/youtube]

[littlelawrie]

i have to say, having seen the video, it doesn't look like higgins is worried for his life. he seems quite relaxed.

[slymaster]

i have to say, having seen the video, it doesn't look like higgins is worried for his life. he seems quite relaxed.

Exactly. And it has to be Mr. Higgins.
I am gutted. Mr. Hearn said that his advisors told him to walk away from Snooker because of this.
But he is staying and wants to clean it.

[Mr Glass]

Bad day for snooker and the integrity of the game.

If true, I hope this will mean a life ban from the game for Higgins.

[slymaster]

Mr Mooney also manages World Championship finalist Greame Dott.

[Lee Taylor]

Higgins now suspended, pending an investigation.

Hearn's response:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8656905.stm

[ChrisW]

I can't believe how stupid people are going to these honey traps from NOTW.
As soon as you start hearing the dialogue I am thinking "Oh another setup by the News of the World/Sun".

I can't see how Higgins can survive this and stay in the sport.
If he was so worried about it why didn't he mention it to the governing body.

[Booji Boy]

Black day for snooker indeed, and has spoiled what has been for me, one of the best championships in years.

[Grubby]

OMG, some people just seem to think that they are above the law. quite staggering video clip!
How CAN John Higgins defend himself ? The line from a song comes to mind "there may be trouble ahead"

[nikkiboy]

I must admit I am not a fan of these newspaper "outings" and investigations because it is usually the newspapers who do all the lying!

That said this will have bad repurcussions for the game, lets just hope that darts does not get tarred with the same brush as snooker.

[Maverick]

After Mooney's response I thought yeah thats possible, they agreed to something because they feared for their safety...But having seen that clip, knaa just lying cheating scum!

[Dicie]

It doesnt look good for him. But, iv no doubt it goes on in all sports, soccer/horse racing/darts/ greyhounds, anything that there is cash betting involved it is open to this sort of thing.

[TROUBLEAGAIN]

Makes you wonder a bit on how he lost to Steve Davis now The whole snooker tapping up doesnt go away hes not the first under investigation or (the first Scot) - The same denials went on for a few years in Cricket until it all came out in the wash is their more to come....

[ChrisW]

The reason this happens is the bookies put so many permutation bets on offer that these things go unoticed.
If the only bet on offer was win/lose I would doubt it would be such an issue as pros are not going to throw matches.

[Maverick]

I believe Silvino Francisco was involved in throwing games quite some years back, his ban finished him.

[jointer]

After Mooney's response I thought yeah thats possible, they agreed to something because they feared for their safety...But having seen that clip, knaa just lying cheating scum!

i was thinking the same,maybe he just played along etc
that was until i seen the video,or maybe he is a good actor

[jointer]

I believe Silvino Francisco was involved in throwing games quite some years back, his ban finished him.

and there was the aussie Quinten Hann

[spaceman70]

Higgins has been a complete fucking idiot. Has probably given Bazza a nightmare now with sponsors. Hope there is no knock on effect for darts.

[Maverick]

This looks like a late night at the crucible!! Potentially 7 frames still to complete!! I'll be going to work at quarter to two, it'd better be done by then!