Ken Doherty, Snooker Legend, shares the reason for apologizing to Sir Alex Ferguson after a profanity-laden outburst

Snooker legend Ken Doherty had a comically awkward moment with Sir Alex Ferguson, the iconic Manchester United manager, shortly after winning the World Championship title.

Doherty, aged 55, claimed his only world title in 1997 by defeating Stephen Hendry at the Crucible, earning him hero status in Ireland as he celebrated with a victorious open-top bus parade in Dublin.

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The ‘Darling of Dublin’s triumph also attracted interest from many notable personalities, leading to an invitation to present his trophy at an extraordinary event.

Unexpectedly, snooker aficionado Ferguson, 83, reached out with an invitation for Doherty to showcase his title during the concluding match of the 1996-97 Premier League season at Old Trafford.

However, the call took an unexpected turn when Doherty, thinking it was a prank from his friends, let slip an expletive directed at one of football’s greatest managers.

Doherty later shared with The Daily Star: “I received a phone call a week later. I didn’t recognize the number, and the voice said [imitating Ferguson], ‘Kenny, would you like to come and parade that trophy around Old Trafford?’

“I told him to f*** off! I assumed it was one of my pals messing with me.”

Ferguson, not one to tolerate foolishness, shot back, prompting the snooker star to apologize immediately.

Doherty continued: “He repeated, ‘Kenny, this is Alex Ferguson speaking, and I won’t ask you a second time.’

“So, I had to apologize. Not many people have dared to say that to him and come away unscathed! But he appreciated the humor. He loves snooker.”

Fortunately, the visit to Old Trafford went much smoother than the phone call, with Doherty proudly showing off his trophy to a cheering Manchester United crowd that was already celebrating their Premier League victory.

The snooker icon received red-carpet treatment from Ferguson, who introduced him to stars like Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes.

I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off, and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was priceless

Doherty reflected: “He [Ferguson] showed me around the grounds. It was the final match of the season, and they were about to lift the Premier League trophy.

“Walking onto the pitch with the trophy, my legs were trembling. I got to meet all the players.

“Cantona came up to me, shook my hand, and said, ‘Congratulations Mr. Doherty, welcome to Old Trafford.’

“Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, and Keane were all eager to check out the trophy and see the names engraved on it. It was an unforgettable experience.”