Overview

• Murphy says his feud with O’Sullivan began after an incident of verbal abuse when he was 12, recalling it in detail in comments published this week.
• O’Sullivan has not commented publicly on the allegation.
• Murphy praises O’Sullivan’s on-table brilliance, calling his playing ability unmatched despite their personal rift.
• He argues snooker authorities have treated O’Sullivan more leniently because of his commercial value and says the sport has been harmed by his conduct as an ambassador.
• Murphy contrasts O’Sullivan’s off-table influence with figures like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic and notes their last meeting was a 6–2 win for O’Sullivan at the 2024 Masters.