Chaos in World Snooker Championship as table is covered in orange powder after protest

There was chaos in the World Snooker Championship matches on Monday when two protestors appeared and orange dust was hurled on to one of the tables.

Two individuals from the controversial environmental group 'Just Stop Oil' appeared at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, live on BBC four.

Mark Allen was facing Fan Zhengyi and the other fixture saw Robert Milkins and Joe Perry play against one another on day three of the tournament.

One activist was apprehended by the referee Olivier Marteel as they tried to attach themselves to the table but a second climbed on top of the table and orange powder was chucked onto the surface.

It caused a substantial delay, with players sent back to the dressing room while the two tables were cleaned.

A section on one of the tables was almost completely orange from the chalk, while both individuals were eventually taken away and arrested.

The protest was part of the 'Just Stop Oil' movement, which hit headlines last year.

Louis Mckechnie, 21 at the time, caused an eight-minute delay at Goodison Park when he invaded the pitch during Everton's win over Newcastle.

Using cable ties around his neck, he attached himself to the goalpost and ground staff had to use a pair of bolt cutters to free him and allow the action to resume.

Immediately after the latest interruption, Just Stop Oil provided a statement on what happened.

The group said: "Two Just Stop Oil supporters have disrupted the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, interrupting play.

"The pair proceeded to cover the tables in orange powder paint before being removed by security and arrested.

"They are demanding that the Government immediately stop all new UK fossil fuel projects and are calling on UK sporting institutions to step into in civil resistance against the Government’s genocidal policies."

Master of ceremonies Rob Walker was spotted hoovering the table and after 40 minutes, Allen vs Fan resumed.

Snooker legend Stephen Hendry said he had "never seen that before at a snooker event" and described it as "scary" when commenting as part of BBC's coverage.