Jack unhappy as he is banned from wearing Ukraine flag

JACK Lisowski has said he was denied permission by World Snooker to wear a Ukraine flag on his waistcoat at the World Championship.

Lisowski’s grandfather is from Ukraine, and he wore a badge at the Gibraltar Open in March in support of the country following the invasion by Russia.

The 30-year-old wanted to continue showing support for the country at the Crucible, but World Snooker refused to grant permission for Lisowski to wear the flag.

Speaking to the BBC, former Chosen Hill School pupil Lisowski said: “Everyone in this room would agree you’re supporting Ukraine so why the hell can’t I wear it? It’s something that is close to my heart.

“My grandad is Ukrainian, my dad has been out there. It is very sad with what is going on over there.

“I tried to wear it [in Sheffield] and they told me I couldn’t unless I was Ukrainian. I’ve got some Ukrainian in me, but it wasn’t enough so I got the badge taken off my waistcoat.”

Lisowski said he wanted to unfurl a Ukraine flag in the arena, but has yet to get hold of one.

“I played with it on for a few tournaments, I want to wear it but I wasn’t allowed,” Lisowski added. “I am trying to get a flag.”

Clarifying its position, World Snooker Tour said in a statement: “As an international sport we have always adopted a policy of political neutrality, and to that end, our policy is to not allow our sport to be used as a political platform at the World Championship.

“We are strongly against the invasion of any sovereign nation and all forms of violence or oppression.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people who are suffering as a result of the current conflict in Ukraine.”