“O’Sullivan’s Venue Critique Masters’ Atmosphere Debated by Snooker Legends”
O’Sullivan called the tournament venue Alexandra Palace “disgusting” and said it makes him “feel ill” while speaking to the media on Thursday.
The World Snooker Tour (WST) said “Other players have spoken with unanimous positivity” about the venue.
The iconic north London setting has widely been praised for its atmosphere.
It also hosted the PDC World Darts Championship since 2008 and was the scene of 16-year-old Luke Littler’s remarkable run to the final earlier this month.
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Murphy, who faces O’Sullivan in the first of Saturday’s semi-finals (13:00 GMT) is looking to claim his second Masters title.
And while he says he can understand some of his 48-year-old opponent’s complaints, it would be better if they were directed to snooker’s authorities rather than the press.
“It is very difficult to follow an event such as the PDC World Championship and it is absolutely crystal clear,” said Murphy.
“There is evidence of a fortnight-long party here, there is no getting away from that but it is an entertainment venue.
“It is an old building, one of our historical buildings that we are proud to visit. Sometimes you have to be careful about what you wish for because we have criticised venues in the past that we no longer go to.
“I think the venue is very, very good. Could it be nicer backstage? Yes of course. Every venue could be nicer backstage. The arena in Swansea [that hosted the Snooker Shoot Out] was unbelievable, state-of-the-art, and brand new but we are not suggesting taking the Masters there.
“If Ronnie has criticisms and things he would like to constructively push he should come through the correct channels and make his voice heard.”
Speaking to Eurosport on Friday, external the 1994 winner Alan McManus described O’Sullivan’s criticism of the venue as “a bit strange and a bit needless”.
Jimmy White, who triumphed a decade earlier also like McManus at the event’s former home the Wembley Conference Centre called O’Sullivan’s comments “all nonsense” and more likely a reaction to his 6-3 quarter-final victory against Barry Hawkins when he was far from his best.
