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SHAUN MURPHY has given his take on the potential return of match-fixing snooker star Stephen Lee.
Englishman Lee, 50, was handed a 12-year ban in 2012 after being found guilty of seven match-fixing charges.
That suspension has now been served and Lee is yet to confirm whether he will attempt a comeback.
Murphy is unsure the former world No5 will return to the game due to money he owes snooker’s governing body.
However, The Magician was also quick to insist he has no issue with Lee given he has served his ban.
Speaking on the OneFourSeven podcast, Murphy said: “I don’t think so[he will return]. Not until he pays his fines that are outstanding to the WPBSA and the legal costs and all the rest of it.
“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 beat me in the final of the 2006 Welsh Open and won many, many ranking events.”
Murphy also urged people to put the betting scandal aside if Lee, who still reportedly has to pay a six-figure sum in fines, was to return to snooker.
He added: “I can’t believe how quickly those 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.”
Lee’s career titles include the Scottish Open, Welsh Open and Players Tour Championship Finals.
His best run at the world championships came in 2003 when he reached the semi-finals before losing to Mark Williams.
He also made it to the final of the 2008 Masters, before he lost 10-3 to Mark Selby.
