Police have spoken out after a video of a man's "disturbing act" at the World Snooker Championship quickly went viral on social media.
Viewers noticed a strange moment in the background of BBC's Thursday (April 25) broadcast of the Championship at The Crucible in Sheffield.
The clip began with an unidentified man seemingly whispering to a boy before proceeding to nibble on his ear.
This all occurred while seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry was speaking during a break in play.
The child seemed unfazed as he noticed he could be seen on the live broadcast and then proceeded to smile and wave toward the camera.
The man, whose relation to the boy is unknown, then realizes he is on camera and breaks out in a grin before wobbling his head back and forth.
Many people on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to comment on the bizarre clip, which had amassed millions of views on the social media platform.
One user slammed: "This is totally disgusting and he needs locking up for sure... He even nibbled the child’s ear then realized he was on film and shook his head like that."
Another interjected: "I just threw up," while a third commented: "The behavior by the man in the blue coat is unacceptable. This is super creepy to watch and inappropriate for a father/uncle/friend/stranger to do to a boy of this age."
Many went as far as to contend that the boy needed protection and that the male individual should be apprehended.
"Repulsive. Someone protect this child from this," someone called.
South Yorkshire Police has since confirmed that they have been made aware of the footage and are currently “reviewing the content”.
According to Daily Mail, a spokeperson issued a statement that read: “Yesterday, Thursday 25 April at 9.20PM, we received a call to inform us of a video circulating on social media of a man and a boy at the Crucible in Sheffield. We are aware of the footage and officers will be reviewing the content.”
In addition to this, a spokesperson for the World Snooker Tour also disclosed on Friday: “We are aware of this incident and it is now a police matter,” per News.com.au.
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