Neil Robertson embroiled in bizarre ‘Bananagate’ row with snooker ref and fans now think it’s his ‘superpower’
NEIL ROBERTSON has found himself in the headlines after becoming embroiled in a controversy dubbed “Bananagate” at the Shanghai Masters.
The 41-year-old snooker star eased past home crowd favourite Fan Zhengyi 6-1 in their quarter-final clash yesterday.
GettyNeil Robertson was involved in an hilarious incident dubbed ‘bananagate’[/caption]
EurosportThe Aussie was given a telling off for eating a banana between frames[/caption]
That set-up a semi-final showdown with reigning world champion Luca Brecel.
However, towards the end of his victory, Robertson became embroiled in a bizarre situation after referee Zhu Ying approached him.
The official proceeded to give him a telling off for eating a banana in the break between frames.
Robertson looked completely bemused and pulled a baffled face as she walked away.
And when he was asked by a fan what exactly happened, he replied on social media: “You are allowed to eat a banana between frames, the referee made a small error and it will be addressed for the rest of the event.
“Just don’t start eating bananas with logos on them!”
Commentator David Hendon then took to social media himself to label the incident “bananagate” and fans were quick to copy him.
Robertson then told his own followers: “I’ve had fans in China waiting for me in the hotel to give me bananas as they think it’s my super power.”
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And he then poked fun at the infamous 2018 World Championship moment when Mark Williams took a pack of Minstrels off a fan.
He joked: “Frame losing offence now. New rule @markwil147 [laughing emojis].”
Robertson, who has previously revealed his fight with gaming addiction, was given hefty fine at the World Snooker Championships after traffic led to him being late for the Crucible media day.
