Seething Barry Hearn ready to sue yob who climbed on snooker table and will pay for fans to launch own legal cases

SNOOKER SUPREMO Barry Hearn is ready to sue the posh eco-protestor that disrupted the World Championship – and he will pay for fans to launch their own legal cases.

Hearn, 74, is angry that Edred Whittingham, 25, halted the Crucible action with his orange paint stunt on Monday evening.

Next week the successful businessman will write to about 400 punters that had their night ruined when play on table one was suspended amid unprecedented scenes.

The Matchroom president says he will cover costs if anyone wishes to seek compensation via the small claims court for what they spent on tickets, travel and accommodation.

Whittingham and a 52-year-old woman have been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

Hearn said: “I’m furious about it. That geezer who jumped on the table has upset me.

“I’m going to write to the people that missed out and offer to support them, on a no-win, no-fee basis.

“I’m going to suggest they all join me in taking civil action against that young man for the costs incurred in their tickets, their travel, their food.

“I’ll indemnify all costs, World Snooker Tour won’t make any money out of it, but if you want your money back, join us in this civil case.

“Sport cannot afford to lose customers. We have to stand up and be counted. “Please protest as much as you like – but I don’t believe in anarchy. And I don’t believe in it affecting my sports.”

Milkins’s marathon first-round tie with Perry started at 7pm on Monday evening and lasted 20 minutes until it was stopped due to the yob.

Qualifier Perry led 7-2 after the rescheduled first session on Tuesday evening but Milkins took advantage of the unusual day’s rest to get a new tip for his cue.

Today they returned to the Crucible at 9.30am and the Milk Man delivered with a stunning 10-9 result.

The last balls were knocked in 66 HOURS after the original date of the tie.

No.13 seed Milkins, 47, celebrated one of the greatest first-round comebacks and he said: “I’m chuffed to bits. It was a tale of two halves.

“I had a brand new tip. The delay helped me.

“There were about 3-4 of my friends who couldn’t come up for this session. It was a shame what happened.”

Perry faced the awkward situation of walking out into the arena after being accidentally introduced by MC Rob Walker as ‘Milkins’.

At least he saw the funny side of it, saying: “Look I made about 50 mistakes, Rob is allowed to make one.”

Perry, 48, added: “From my position, my performance was a shambles. Never got going. Started badly and gradually got worse. I didn’t played well enough.

“I’m disappointed I couldn’t make anything happen. It was all down to how badly I played.

“Monday night was a strange experience. I was a little bit shaken-up. It wasn’t a nice experience. Not one I want to go through again.”