Five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has hit out at plans which could allow limited crowds to attend next month's World Snooker Championship. 

The UK government are considering a proposal to permit some supporters into the event at the Crucible, with racing's Glorious Goodwood also part of the pilot scheme.

But O'Sullivan, who has won 35 ranking events during his career, says he'll consider skipping the sport's showpiece event if crowds are allowed into the Sheffield venue.

"If they start bringing in crowds in, even if it is only a couple of hundred, I wouldn’t feel good about that," the 19 Triple Crowns winner told The Sun. "And I think to the point where it would even affect my willingness to participate.

"I don’t think there should be any crowds in an indoor area until at least 2021 and, to me, it seems insane that we are even talking about it."

Earlier the UK's Sports minister Nigel Huddleston had indicated that some events could allow supporters in before the 1st of October:

"I recognise that not every sport, team or club has the benefit of huge commercial revenue, and it is often their dedicated fans that are the lifeblood which helps keep them going. By working closely with sports and medical experts, these pilots will help ensure the safe return of fans to stadia.

"Although it will remain some time before venues are full to capacity, this is a major step in the right direction for the resumption of live spectator sport across the country."