Jimmy White in spat with referee, warned over finger incident at Northern Ireland Open | Eurosport

immy White was involved in an awkward spat with referee Ben Williams during his match with Luca Brecel. The incident came after the referee incorrectly nominated the blue ball as White sized up the brown. An irritated White corrected the referee, and gesticulated as he asked, “what’s funny about that?” The referee deemed White guilty of “sticking your finger up at me" and gave him a warning.

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[gurdeepchumber]

Jimmy's wig moved & ref laughed, Jimmy should've asked the ref to re-spot his wig 🤣🤣

[woofdog]

I couldn’t help think of Joe Pesci’s character in Goodfellas where they are sat around the table 😂😂

[samdam]

Most people missing the fact that this all started by Jimmy aggressively turning towards the ref and calling him a dimlo (thicko, idiot). THAT is what the ref laughed off, really giving Jimmy the benefit of the doubt that it was a joke. If the ref had “acted professionally” as some seem to think he should, he could have given him a warning immediately, but it’s a gentleman’s sport and instead he rightly gave Jimmy another chance. When Jimmy doubled down with an aggressive, repeated “what’s funny about that”, he guaranteed himself the warning the ref had given him a chance to avoid, but most importantly is now forever immortalised on YouTube as a sad, old, bitter man.

[terryheenan]

Don't change Ben. Definitely one of the best referees in the game. Jimmy, I hope you were having a bad day, because I would hate to think you are like that every day. You owe Ben an apology and maybe you need to work on your personality. It's amazing some players have no respect for the referees, Ronnie is the same. If it wasn't for them, you would not have a game to play. Just remember that. It's not cool to act like a prick.

[yellowfolder]

People seem to focus on the fact that Jimmy may or may not have raised his finger, and not the fact he insulted the referee with "dimlo" after they made an honest mistake. This was an oddly hostile reaction, and to ease tension, the referee laughed it off, giving Jimmy an out, but then Jimmy doubled down with his hostility and asked what was so funny about it. To me, the finger is barely relevant, but did allow the referee to save face by taking disciplinary action due to Jimmy's offensive behaviour.

Did he stick his finger up? Probably - it's consistent with the general attitude displayed, and many an insolent schoolboy has presented a similar gesture to a scolding teacher to give them plausible deniability. Poor show, but that's Jimmy's true character so who's surprised.

[roadtonowhere]

Jimmy showed himself up there, what's wrong with a smile and crack on. Those missed world championship opportunities still weigh heavy on him. That ref is a nice guy

[god]

Met him once. He’s really not as nice as people think!!

[michaeljohnson]

Yes the same referee has laughed before in similar situations but Jimmy is more bad tempered these days

[stitcha]

Ref should have said: ‘Who said I was laughing at the ball incident, wig?’

[Lionfire]

Ben Williams is probably the funniest, most chilled referee out there. Always has a smile on his face. Love Jimmy but there was no need to have a bitch fit.

[EmmaRoydsared]

Makes a nice change to see someone else on YouTube having an unnecessary shit fit, instead of Adrian Lewis 😂😂

[normantaylor]

Unbelievable to think what’s going on in the world. I watched it and more than surprised JW was so serious and also surprised at Alan Mc manus backing him. Come on guys it was a mistake by the ref and he just tried to make light heart of it

[EveryonesAWinner]

Met both of these chaps both very pleasant. Saw ben before the masters final and wished him luck was very appreciative of the support.

[straightouttacornwall]

"I'm funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh?"

[danieldunkley]

I think Jimmy lives with the tension that he’ll never be known for the player he could have been if he’d laid off the drugs and stayed focussed. A bit of his magic came back and the next second he’s acting like he owns the place and has a hissy fit over nothing. As if he hasn’t made incredible mistakes like most of us. Still my favourite player of all time.

[gaywest]

Ref should have said, "shut up, Baldie, and get on with the game".

[mohammedarshad]

I can’t believe someone like jimmy white would react like that 🤔

[jbs]

The ref's Change of expression in under 10 sec over a nominated colour.. 😂 😡..

[BigboyRoy]

Jimmy - "What's funny bout that?? 🤔"

Ronnie backstage 📢 - "Jimmy DON'T START!"

[darrenmcgowan]

love Jimmy, but acting like a fool. Well done ref.