Leighton Buzzard snooker player blasts pandemic risk takers who are putting lives in jeopardy

O'Donnell first let his snooker do the talking in round one of the English Open by breezing past Ashley Carty 4-1 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on Monday.

But post-match he turned on society for taking too many risks in lockdown as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to sweep the nation.

O’Donnell, ranked No.32 in the world, has a pregnant wife and elderly parents and hit out at those who continue to put lives at risk.

“We’ve been trying to be as careful as we can but I know some people’s attitudes towards this virus is like they don’t care, which is unbelievable really,” fumed the 34-year-old.

“It’s going to carry on killing people - I just think people’s attitudes towards the old and the vulnerable is like they don’t matter.

“It does [make me angry] in a little way - life has to go on at some stage but this pandemic is something we haven’t seen for a long, long time so I just think if people make some sacrifices for another six months it’s not the end of the world.

“I know people are struggling mentally and it is hard, and hopefully there’ll be support systems for them, but we need to behave ourselves. The north could be going back into full lockdown and if the south isn’t careful, we’ll follow suit.

“We’re taking all the precautions we can - my mum and dad aren’t the youngest and my dad’s got a few underlying issues. It was his 80th birthday a few weeks ago and I didn’t even go and see him.

“That’s where I get angry because I find it tough - I’m treating it how it should be treated, and I just hope other people follow suit.”

His English Open hopes ended in Wednesday's second round when he fell to a 4-1 defeat against world No.33 Liang Wenbo.

Watch the snooker English Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport app and Quest.