Artist defends unfinished Ronnie O'Sullivan mural after online criticism

A large mural of snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan on the side of a Sheffield club has drawn widespread online criticism for its appearance, but the artist and venue management have emphasized the work is unfinished and will be corrected. The 30-foot artwork, depicting the seven-time world champion leaning down for a shot, was recently unveiled on the back wall of the Spot On Snooker Club on Langsett Road after scaffolding was temporarily removed.

The mural, created by local artist Chris Ashmore, quickly went viral after images were shared on social media. Many commenters described the portrayal as "zombie-like," "creepy," or "skeletal," with comparisons to various fictional villains. The criticism prompted Ashmore to defend the piece, stating he had only completed about two weeks of a five-week project when the scaffolding came down. He explained that working from a fixed scaffold platform, rather than his usual scissor lift, had obstructed his view and prevented him from seeing the full perspective needed for final details.

"I saw people saying it looks like Michael Jackson or a zombie. I've got thick skin, I'll be OK, but it didn't feel fair," Ashmore told the BBC. He noted...