Snooker star told to take off cancer therapy logo

Peter Ebdon was ordered to remove an advertising logo from his shirt before playing Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Crucible yesterday, because of concerns it was illegal.

The Cancer Act of 1939 prohibits the advertising of “an offer to treat any person for cancer, or to prescribe any remedy therefor, or to give any advice in connection with the treatment thereof”, and Ebdon’s promotion of an alternative therapy was the subject of complaints.

World Snooker received several messages questioning whether he should be allowed to wear the Gerson Therapy logo.

A spokesman said: “We were made aware the logo could breach rules relating to pharmaceuticals and therapy, and he was told to remove the logo.”

A tearful Ebdon, 41, said in his press conference, after losing to O’Sullivan: “I wore a logo yesterday which I was told today I wasn’t allowed to wear, because it offered an alternative cancer therapy treatment.

“Obviously I’ve upset somebody somewhere, but personally I think it’s too important for people not to know.”

Ebdon has taken up a vegan diet since the death of his father, from cancer last year. He broke down in tears during his press conference as he remembered his father, and said he was proud to have qualified for his 21st consecutive World Championship.