NEIL ROBERTSON plans to hold talks with World Snooker Tour bosses after a spiky social media post that criticised “sporting conduct in snooker” and male referees.

As he departed the International Championship in China, the Australian, 44, had his say on Kyren Wilson’s cue-throwing incident last Sunday.

To the surprise of the ref, Wilson carelessly tossed his equipment onto the table following the conclusion of the eighth frame of his second-round win over Liam Highfield and it struck a couple of balls on the baize.

This was against the sports etiquette, though Wilson, 34, did later apologise and buy the ref a cupcake.

But Robertson claimed: “In general the sporting conduct in snooker is in the absolute bin and something really needs to be done about it”.

The former world champion also claimed that female referees – those “who don’t physically have a pair” – are the “ones who have any balls to call this behaviour out”.

The Melbourne cueist has now deleted that message off his X account after it attracted significant response within the sport and beyond.

Though the World Snooker Tour did not officially respond to his comments, SunSport understands they took a dim view of the remarks, particularly in relation to officials.

World No.3 Robertson said on Wednesday: “I’ve removed the post. It sort of went nuclear!

“I’ll elaborate on both sides of the story on this subject because it’s definitely not a one-way street.

“Hoping to speak to World Snooker as well.”

Alfie Burden, the former Shoot Out Champion, told Robertson: “Why remove it? We live in a world of free speech. Stand by what you say.”

Wilson might toss his cue in anger but he is not having any issues with using it to pot balls.

Fresh off the back of his Northern Ireland Open triumph in Belfast, the Warrior has now booked a semi-final clash with China’s Fan Zhengyi following his 6-4 win over Ding Junhui in Nanjing.

Wilson hit breaks of 94, 59, 54 and 56 as he eliminated the home favourite from the ranking event, which has a £175,000 top prize.

It is believed Wilson had been unhappy with Highfield’s perceived slow play during the contest last weekend.

His brother and agent Taylor said on social media that the incident was a result of frustration, saying: “Some players punch tables. Some players throw rests and cues. Some players smash balls around the table.

“Elite sport frustration. Doesn’t make any of them right. It’s what happens within the moment.  Apologise and move on.”