Snooker player fined £7,000 for ‘extreme drunken behaviour’ at Turkish Masters

Robert Milkins arrived at the opening ceremony for the event drunk

Snooker player Robert Milkins, who arrived at the opening ceremony for the Turkish Masters in March drunk, has been fined £7,000 for "extreme drunken behaviour." Milkins admitted that he was "out of it" after he had been drinking heavily to celebrate his birthday and required hospital treatment after he fell and split open his chin in Antalya. The 46-year-old from Gloucestershire apologised for his behaviour at the time, saying: "It was my birthday and I had been drinking for a long time but that is no excuse and I know that. "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."

Milkins had concerns that he wouldn't be able to pay the fine initially

Before appearing at the Turkish Masters, Milkins had only won £10,000 all year and with a fine of £7,000 to pay, was left concerned that he wouldn't be able to pay up. But victory at the Gibraltar Open pocketed him £50,000 and a run which almost saw him get to the World Championships and the Crucible saw him earn another £15,000. Milkins, who is also known as 'The Milkman', also revealed that he had struggled with his mental state after suffering recent family bereavements. Related links:

• Snooker player apologises for drunk arrival at Turkish Masters
• Snooker player fined £2,500 for challenging opponent to fight
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