Farewell to John Virgo, snooker legend and big Manchester United fan
The world of sports and television mourns John Virgo, who has passed away at the age of 79. A historic snooker champion, beloved commentator, and popular television face, Virgo died at his home in Spain, as confirmed by the World Snooker Tour. Born in Salford in 1946, Virgo was also a huge Manchester United fan, a passion he never hid. In the past he had told the club’s official magazine about his deep connection with the Red Devils, recalling in particular the unforgettable night in 1999 at Camp Nou. “I was at the Nou Camp when we won the Triplete,” he recounted. “Down 1-0, I thought, ‘There it is, another missed opportunity.’ Then we scored and I said to myself, ‘At least we’re going to extra time.’ Instead, the second goal also came. Coming out of the stadium a friend said to me, ‘It can’t get any better than this.”
Among his fondest United-related memories was also an episode at Old Trafford during the 1993/94 season that ended with the Double’s victory. At halftime of a game against Sheffield United, Virgo had the opportunity to kick penalties on the field. “I scored twice out of four,” he recalled, “and the stadium was chanting my name. It was incredible. After the game I had a drink with Sir Alex Ferguson and we talked about soccer.” Virgo also never forgot the most tragic moments in the club’s history, such as the 1958 Munich air disaster. “The next day at school there was a minute’s silence. All your heroes were gone, it was terrible. As a child you knew the team by heart. Sir Bobby Charlton was my first idol: when he had the ball, you felt something was going to happen.”
On a sporting level, John Virgo had an 18-year professional career in snooker. In the 1970s and 1980s he was one of the best players in the world, winning the United Kingdom Championship in 1979 and reaching the semifinals of the World Championship that same year. After retiring in 1994, he became a real TV star thanks to the program Big Break, co-hosted with Jim Davidson. He later joined the BBC team permanently as a commentator, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in snooker thanks to the famous phrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?”
His last commentary for the BBC was a few weeks ago, during the Masters final won by Kyren Wilson against John Higgins. The news of his death shook the snooker world deeply. Ronnie O’Sullivan spoke of a “great friend,” while Mark Selby called him “a huge character who will be sorely missed.” Steve Davis added, “We have lost one of our most beloved friends. Our hearts are broken.” Shaun Murphy also recalled how important Virgo was in and out of the commentary booth, while host Hazel Irvine spoke of an “incalculable” loss to the entire movement.
Virgo was also known for his performances and imitations during demonstration matches, beloved by the audience and his colleagues themselves. “He transcended sports,” said former world champion John Parrott, “becoming a familiar face to everyone. He had a unique voice, a great sense of humor and a total knowledge of the game.” John Virgo leaves behind his wife Rosie and children Gary and Brooke-Leah. With him goes not only a snooker legend, but a figure capable of making the sport more popular, more human and closer to the general public.
