Jimmy White gives verdict after referee berates snooker star in front of crowd before match

White expressed his preference for traditional attire in the sport, stating: "I don't like this playing in a shirt, I think they should play in a waistcoat."

The Whirlwind also noted that newer players such as Judd Trump favour polo shirts, but he personally prefers the classic dress suit and bow tie combination.

The incident occurred as Hungarian youngster Bulcsu Revesz prepared to take the opening break against four-time world champion John Higgins in their third-round encounter.

With the balls racked and spectators settled inside Venue Cymru, the sharp-eyed official noticed that Revesz's shirt was untucked.

Tuzikova directed the player to return to his chair and sort out his appearance before the match could commence.

Lesson 1: ALWAYS tuck your shirt in! 😜

Bulcsu Revesz will be making sure he does next time! 😅#WelshOpen pic.twitter.com/hq8TywUMXy

— WST (@WeAreWST) February 25, 2026

The brief delay meant not a single ball had been struck when officials found themselves in the spotlight once more at the Home Nations event.

It followed earlier officiating drama when marker Kevin Dabrowski had to assist referee Colin Humphries during a Michael Holt foul against Mark Williams.

White elaborated on how unkempt clothing can detract from snooker's visual appeal.

"If someone's shirt is sticking out, you see a lot of players, sometimes they have bought a new shirt and the waistcoat is not the right size and the shirt is sticking out," he explained.

The veteran player believes officials are right to address such matters directly.

"So I think it is a good thing that the referee says 'look, smarten yourself up'," White added.

His comments reflect a traditionalist view within the sport, where presentation has long been considered integral to snooker's professional image.

Fellow pundit Alan McManus offered a different perspective on the referee's handling of the situation.

The Scottish former professional felt Tuzikova's approach was perhaps overly firm given the circumstances.

"I think it was a little bit harsh," said McManus.

"Look, if I was a referee, I am always harsh on referees, but if I was the referee I would have taken Bulcsu aside very quietly and told him to make sure his shirt was tucked in."

His view suggests a more discreet intervention would have achieved the same outcome without drawing public attention to the young Hungarian player before his match against Higgins.