Ronnie O'Sullivan: Scaffolding returns to site of viral 'zombie-like' mural of The Rocket in Sheffield
Viral 30ft mural of Ronnie O'Sullivan in Sheffield sees scaffolding return to it after comical, negative reviews of Rocket's likeness; Artist Chris Ashmore: "I saw people saying it looks like Michael Jackson or a zombie. I've got thick skin, I'll be okay, but it didn't feel fair"
Saturday 29 August 2026 07:47, UK
Scaffolding has been put back up at a snooker club wall where its mural of Ronnie O'Sullivan went viral - with some comparing it to a zombie.
Sheffield artist Chris Ashmore created the 30ft mural at Spot On Snooker Club in the city's Langsett Road.
In a post from August 15, on his business Facebook page Creative Murals and Portraits UK, Mr Ashmore shared images of the mural which appeared to be nearly complete.
The artwork shows the seven-time world champion leaning down for a shot with a cue and rest and was revealed in full when the scaffolding came down recently.
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But Mr Ashmore insisted the project was not yet finished, telling the BBC "touch-ups" were still needed.
"I usually use a scissor lift, where you can stand back and see things as a whole, but I couldn't use it as the land is too uneven," he told the BBC.
"I saw people saying it looks like Michael Jackson or a zombie.
"I've got thick skin, I'll be okay, but it didn't feel fair."
On Friday, scaffolding was back up at the mural, which is on a wall some two miles from the Crucible, where the World Championships take place each year.
