Shaun Murphy has been forthright regarding Stephen Lee being able to make a return to snooker after serving a 12-year match-fixing ban.
Previously ranked as the world’s fifth, Lee’s professional status was marred by accusations of manipulating match outcomes and resulted in him being barred from competing in 2012. In 2013, he was found guilty of influencing the results of seven matches during 2008 and 2009, with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association labelling it the most egregious example of corruption the sport had ever seen.
Despite Lee maintaining his innocence and expressing anguish over the “huge punishment”, he was condemned after an extensive hearing. His ban stood out as one of the harshest in snooker history until Liang Wenbo and Li Hang received permanent exclusions for similar offences in 2023.
Lee now finds himself able to return to the playing field, igniting debate over his potential comeback. Murphy, discussing the issue on the OneFourSeven Snooker Podcast, shared a contentious view that Lee warrants another shot in the game, yet made it clear he can’t see him making a return to the table.
When probed on if he believes Lee will compete again, Murphy said: “I don’t think so. Not until he pays his fines that are outstanding to the WPBSA and the legal costs and all the rest of it.” Murphy also appeared to be open to the idea of Lee making a comeback even at 50, adding: “But, you know, we live in a society where you do the crime, you do the time, and everyone is entitled to a second chance aren’t they?
“He was an incredible player with a Rolls-Royce cue action and just a great guy off the table. I never had a cross word with him. He was a beautiful player to watch, a winner.” He continued: “He has served his time, he’s been away from the game for 12 years. I can’t believe how quickly them 12 years have gone.
“I’m sure Stephen Lee doesn’t think they’ve been quick, and he’s been through some trauma away from the table. It’s been a difficult time for him, I’m absolutely certain of that. But his path back to the tour isn’t obstacle-free. He has over six figures in fines and costs to pay before he can even think about returning to the sport.
“So he did the crime, he’s served his 12 years, and if he pays the money he owes, he’ll be free to come back to try his hand at the game. And let’s put all of that aside, we’re talking about someone who was a wonderful snooker player.”
In addition, John Higgins told BBC Sport that the snooker community would “welcome him back with open arms” if Lee decides to make a return soon. Having turned professional in 1992, Lee secured five ranking titles and achieved 184 century breaks, renowned for his silky-smooth cue action.