A snooker star was rushed to hospital after a drinking session went horribly wrong.
Robert Milkins has landed himself in hot water after appearing on the red carpet of the inaugural Turkish Masters looking worse for wear.
The world number 44 became embroiled in a heated altercation with guests at the special VIP event at the Nirvana Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Prior to a fiery exchange with WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson, the snooker ace fell and split his chin, before being taken to hospital.
While there he had his stomach pumped and was collected by European Masters champion Jimmy Robertson.
The awkward moment certainly leaves the snooker authority red-faced, and Milkins now faces disciplinary action.
The 44-year-old has acknowledged his actions and issued an apology to the relevant parties.
He said: “I drank far too much, and something happened. I genuinely don’t know exactly what and cannot remember details - I was in a state where I didn’t know where I was.
“It was my birthday and I had been drinking for a long time but that is no excuse and I know that. I don’t know why, I did all this when I was in my 20s.
“I don’t remember what happened with the hotel guests or Jason Ferguson – none of it.
"I can only apologise to any guests I offended that night. I wouldn’t have known who it was.
“And I have apologised to the organisers and the hotel. It is the first time snooker has come to Turkey and my behaviour was totally out of order.”
Milkins, who is having a disappointing season, admitted he has no recollection of his stomach being purged of the alcohol he had consumed.
He also hopes his behaviour will not prevent him from being welcomed back to play the tournament in the future.
“When I got to the toilet I lost my legs and think I hit my chin on the sink or the ground, cutting it open. I was almost knocked out, and I’m pretty sure I have broken ribs,” he added.
“If I had my stomach pumped I don’t remember that either. And Jimmy Robertson, who I was sharing with, brought me back.
“It was touch and go whether or not I would be thrown out of the tournament before I even played my match today. I told them I didn’t really want to be here after what happened.
“I love it here, I have been on holiday here before and I just hope they let me back and didn’t come here looking to upset anyone. I have to move on.
“I can understand why people are embarrassed and concerned and I will have to take whatever punishment I receive. It won’t be happening again, anyway.”
World Snooker Tour confirmed that the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) disciplinary committee are looking into the incident which he could be sanctioned for.
