Matthew Selt is creating waves after a clip of the 39-year-old snooker went viral across social media platforms with him seeing telling the snooker referee to shut up in the viral video
Not aware of the viral video? Here’s the brief.
Social media platforms, especially X/Twitter and Reddit, have been buzzing with a viral video of Matthew Selt featuring him frustrated after losing to a teenager Artemijs Zizins during the German Masters qualifiers on Tuesday evening.
Matthew Selt tells referee to shut up after losing to Artemijs Zizins in German Snooker Masters 2024, video goes viral
Emotions are high and we want to see passion but this is unacceptable from Matthew Selt to be honest. Zizins is a young pro and played very well. Luck played a part yes but I’m sure Selt has had luck in big moments before. He should apologise. pic.twitter.com/ujuFyUaAxn
— SnookerInfo (@SnookerInfo147) December 17, 2024
What Exactly Happened?
The professional English snooker, who is the world No. 33 has faced challenges this season, struggling to secure consistent victories.
Selt was aiming to qualify for the German Masters main draw for the 5th time in his career. With a bye into the second round of qualifying, the player faced the rising star Zizins.
Selt started strong, delivering a remarkable 143 break and taking an early 2-0 lead. However, Zizins mounted an impressive comeback, winning four consecutive frames before the snooker player managed to equalize.
The match culminated in a nail-biting final frame for a coveted spot in the main draw. Zizins seemed poised for victory but faced a tricky shot on a red ball into the green baulk pocket using a rest. Although he missed, the red unexpectedly rolled along the cushion and dropped into the yellow baulk pocket.
Seated nearby, Selt reacted angrily, shouting, “Oh my god!” and slapping his legs in frustration. Meanwhile, Zizins hung his head, seemingly apologetic for the fortunate outcome.
matt selt is just down right embarrassing. not only is that such a wild overreaction but to go as far as to not shake Zizins’s hand after the match is shameful. He’s just a young boy and every player has gotten lucky at some point. Awful behaviour! https://t.co/B9xRAJwlZt
— emma|| Andys Coaching Era ✨ (@emma_clairexx) December 18, 2024
The referee declared the match over with Selt trailing by 32 points and only 27 remaining on the table. Zizins continued his break, while Selt remained visibly agitated.
Despite his frustration, Selt rose from his chair after Zizins potted the yellow ball, offering congratulations and wishing his opponent “good luck” in the main draw. However, Selt’s emotions spilled over as he walked off, with loud banging noises heard in the background and could then be heard creating plenty of noise off camera. Zizins stopped to speak with the referee after the match but their conversation was interrupted by loud crashing.
“Matthew, please!” demanded the referee and Selt responded: “Shut up!”
Prize Money
With his victory, Zizins secured a £3,600 prize and a match against No. 31 seed Zhou Yuelong in January’s main draw. Meanwhile, Selt earned £1,000 for his efforts.
Who is Matthew Selt?
Born on March 7, 1985, Matthew Selt is a English professional snooker player. Standing at 1.85m tall, Matthew Selt is now based in Chelmsford, Essex. The player joined in professional tour in 2007 after finishing 7th in the Pontin’s International Open Series.
Selt reached his first professional final in 2014 at the Lisbon Open, losing to Stephen Maguire, and has made five quarter-final appearances in full-ranking events. His first ranking title came in 2019 when he defeated Lyu Haotian to win the Indian Open.