Fans no longer allowed into Sheffield's Crucible for World Snooker Championship

Fans were allowed to attend the annual competition when it started this morning – and some would have been inside the venue watching the action when Prime Minister Boris Johnson made his announcement this afternoon.

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It is unclear when the venue and organisers were informed of the news.

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The Championship was one of the first sporting events to allow for the return of spectators since lockdown restrictions were lifted in England.

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But, following a tightening of measures in some parts of northern England and a rise in the number of confirmed positive cases, crowds will no longer be permitted for at least the next fortnight.

The changes will come into effect from Saturday, August 1.

The snooker event runs until August 16, so spectators may still be able to watch the final – on August 15 and 16 - at the venue.

“Pilots of larger crowds at sports venues will not take place,” Johnson said at a special news conference.

“With those numbers creeping up, our assessment is that we should squeeze that brake pedal... in order to keep the virus under control.”

The Crucible had been operating at a reduced capacity to allow for social distancing.

World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn said: “Above all it’s a great shame for people who had those golden tickets, but in the circumstances we are now living in we have to accept the decision and move on.

“Snooker has led the way in terms of the return of live sport, in recent weeks we have been the first to stage live televised events and now live events with a small crowd. In the months to come we will continue to find innovative ways to bring sport back safely and entertain our many millions of fans around the globe.”

Fans who have tickets will be contacted soon by the tickets providers to explain how to transfer to next year or receive a refund.

The Star has also contacted the Crucible for comment.

Five-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan previously claimed players were being treated like ‘lab rats’ by allowing spectators.