Mark Allen was yesterday warned he could be banned for his “unacceptable” claim that Chinese snooker players lack integrity. World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said he would demand disciplinary chiefs treat Allen’s remarks seriously.

Allen spoke out after suffering a surprise Crucible defeat to Cao Yupeng on Sunday, when he believed his opponent should have called a foul against himself midway through the match.

Hearn stated his concern that outspoken players are putting their fellow professionals’ careers at risk, with the danger the sport as a whole could suffer.

“This is a very good time to be a snooker player,” Hearn said. “It’s not a good time to be an idiot.”

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association have confirmed they will be writing to Allen to initiate disciplinary proceedings. They have already fined Allen on four occasions this season, costing the 26-year-old Northern Irishman over €3,000.

Association chairman Jason Ferguson said: “Mark Allen will be given 14 days to respond to the letter.”