Robert Milkins has been fined a total of £7,000 including costs for ‘extreme drunken behaviour' at this year’s inaugural Turkish Masters.
The 46-year-old from Gloucester ended up in hospital in Antalya with a cut face and having his stomach pumped after a birthday bender turned sour.
Milkins arrived already very drunk at the glitzy red-carpet bash on the eve of the first ranking event to be staged on Turkish soil.
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The player known as ‘The Milkman’ became embroiled in an altercation with guests at the swanky five-star Nirvana Cosmopolitan hotel on the Mediterranean coast.
And as WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson attempted to help him, Milkins fell in the gents toilets - splitting his chin open in the process. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital.
Shortly after the tournament in Antalya world No27 Milkins went on to win the first ranking title of his career at the Gibraltar Open.
And after that success in March Milkins admitted that his mental health had been in a poor state this year after family bereavements both in his earlier and more recent life.
The player, who issued a genuine and contrite apology to the authorities and the Turkish event hosts at the time, had been receiving counselling following events in early March.
Prior to the Turkish Masters Milkins had won just £10,000 all season, leaving him in fear over how he would pay any potential fine.
But winning the tournament in Gibraltar earned him £50,000, and he added another £15,000 to that by almost making it to the Crucible and the World Championships.
A WPBSA statement released on Thursday evening read: “At a WPBSA disciplinary committee hearing before an independent tribunal on 9th June 2022, Robert Milkins accepted that he had breached the WPBSA rules and his World Snooker Limited (WSL) players contract:
“The facts of the case are that on Sunday 6th March 2022 after the opening ceremony for the inaugural 2022 Nirvana Turkish Masters, Milkins was very drunk and was involved in an altercation with guests at the players ceremony, attended by a number of high-profile dignitaries and event partners. He later fell and split his chin in the toilets and was taken to hospital where he had his stomach pumped.
“This was damaging to the reputation of WST and his behaviour was unacceptable. It was found to be a breach of the WPBSA members rules and his WSL players contract in that this amounted to conduct unbecoming a sportsperson and brought the sport into disrepute.
“At the hearing Milkins apologised for his actions having demonstrated significant remorse for the incident and confirmed that he had made personal apologies to both event partners and dignitaries.
“On 4th July 2022, the sanction imposed on Milkins by the disciplinary committee was: To pay a fine of £6,000; and to pay the costs of the Hearing fixed at £1,000.
The WPBSA Members Rules
1.1 Members shall, at all times (i.e. whether at a Tournament or not), behave in a proper and correct manner consistent with their status as professional sportsmen.
1.3 A Member shall not make or cause to be made any statement or commit or cause to be committed any act which in the reasonable view of the WPBSA is likely to bring into disrepute the games of snooker and/or billiards.
WSL Players Contract
3.5.1 Behave in a professional and reputable manner befitting a professional sportsperson.
3.1.6 Not to do anything that may damage the reputation and goodwill of the Snooker Parties and the Partners.”
Milkins said at the time: “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.
“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.
“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. I told them I didn’t really want to be here after what happened.
“I love it in Turkey, 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 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.
“I don’t care about myself these days, I only play to try and support my kids at the moment. And I have let them down as well, which is the worst and most important bit.”
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