A SNOOKER fan is disgusted at the treatment received in Worcester by two of the game's most colourful stars.

Former world champion Alex "Hurricane" Higgins and player turned TV pundit John Virgo both showed off a range of skills at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Road.

But according to teacher Andrew Wilson, what should have been an enjoyable exhibition match was marred by drunken spectators, who heckled throughout the game.

Thirty-five-year-old Mr Wilson from Astwood Farm, Worcester, who had gone to the game with his pregnant wife and grandmother, said the behaviour of some of the 200-strong crowd truly soured the Wednesday evening entertainment.

"It was a real pity to see two men who have been so influential in widening snooker's appeal having to ask the crowd to settle down, and deal with heckles about Jimmy White," he said.

"John Virgo finished by saying that Jimmy was keen to come to Worcester, but if the tasteless jokes were anything to go by, he would be better staying at home."

Mr White had been unable to attend after a recent appendix operation.

Mr Wilson, believes the leisure centre should have thrown the hecklers out at the very least, and not have left the temporary bar open through the majority of the game.

"You expect a bit of banter at these events, but it just went too far."

Kate McKnight, contracts manager for the sports centre, said the bar was only kept open through two frames of snooker, and then at the intervals.

"We did close the bar while the players were playing after the first two frames," she said.

We kept an eye on what happened and would have dealt with any major incidents, but security itself is up to the promoter and we weren't asked by them to intervene.

"The referee was also in charge of the match, and while he did ask the crowd to be quiet, he did not ask us to take any action.