**Snooker Referee’s Stomach Gurgle Causes Unexpected Laughter During Tense Crucible Clash**
A moment of unexpected humour unfolded at the Crucible Theatre as snooker fans watching the semi-final between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Zhao Xintong were left bewildered, and then amused, by a surprise noise from an unlikely source: the match’s referee.
The incident occurred during the final frame of the first session, a point in the match brimming with tension, underlining the sort of hushed intensity the Crucible is famous for. With O’Sullivan having just missed a critical black off the spot, Zhao Xintong was poised to capitalise, hoping to draw level with the scores finely balanced at 32-6.
As Zhao bent over the table to line up an important red to the middle pocket, the silence was pierced by what appeared to be the audible rumbling of referee Leo Scullion’s stomach. In a venue where even the fidgeting of spectators is discouraged, any such sound is particularly noticeable—and with live microphones rigged throughout the hall, this minor bodily function was almost impossible to ignore.
Footage from the BBC broadcast captured both the sound itself and Scullion’s immediate reaction. The experienced referee instinctively placed a hand over his stomach, as if in a vain attempt to muffle any further interruptions, but the moment had already slipped out to both live and televised audiences across the globe.
Social media’s response was swift and light-hearted. Sports broadcaster TNT queried on X (formerly Twitter), “Was that a stomach rumble from the referee?” The clip quickly went viral, prompting hundreds of humorous comments. One user joked about the universality of such an occurrence: “Half the viewers probably thought it was their own stomach, like I did!” Another wryly observed, “I wondered where that was coming from!” A further contributor confessed, “I honestly thought it was me – am I hungry?”
Despite the temporary distraction, Zhao maintained his focus and executed his shot with composure. He managed to clinch the frame, even striking the corner pocket dramatically in the process, ensuring he went into the break with the scores locked at 4-4 against the legendary O’Sullivan.
The Crucible Theatre, based in Sheffield, is renowned for its pin-drop silence during matches, amplifying even the tiniest of disturbances. Players, referees, and the audience alike are well aware of the unique acoustics, which can turn any unplanned sound into a talking point. While most interruptions might risk unsettling a player’s concentration, the camaraderie and humour often shown by snooker’s global following serve to defuse the moment.
Incidents such as this underline the unpredictability and humanity of live sport. While the world’s attention may focus on the sublime skill of players like O’Sullivan and Zhao, broadcasters, officials, and even the human body itself can steal the spotlight—as was clearly the case in this memorable frame.
The episode did not seem to have a lasting effect on the players’ performances, but it has certainly given fans and commentators fodder for gentle ribbing and reminiscence. As one viewer put it, “It’s good to see even referees are human—it makes the game all the more relatable and entertaining.”
With the semi-final delicately poised, attention now turns back to the table. But for a brief interlude, a simple stomach rumble showcased the light-hearted side of snooker, reminding everyone that even the tensest sporting encounters can be subject to the whims of everyday life. As the world watches on, fans will surely be listening out for more than just the click of cue balls at this year’s Crucible showdown.