The draw for the Northern Ireland Open is due to be published on Wednesday, which will confirm which players have entered the event.
The World Snooker Tour has warned players that they will face serious disciplinary action if they decide to travel to China to play in a big-money exhibition after opting out of the Northern Ireland Open.
"Players can give their side, and it almost sounds like they are being bullied," Hearn told The Mirror. "Every player has the choice whether to play in an event or not, there is no bullying whatsoever. But these players are under contract. "I am disappointed in how selfish they have been, and how small-minded. I expect these five will be referred for disciplinary action by WST. And then we’ll see whether they get fined, banned or thrown out."Selby, Higgins, Un-Nooh and Carter have all been in China this week playing in the Wuhan Open.
"It is important to stress that WST players do not have to enter all WST events, they have the freedom to choose, which has always been the case. This level of freedom is unlike any other sport where players have voluntarily opted to enter contracts with their club/organisation. "Unfortunately, despite engaging in email correspondence and phone calls intended to best explain our position and enable the players to make informed decisions, five players have decided not to compete in the Northern Ireland Open and have withdrawn their entry in order to play in Macau. These players are Mark Selby, John Higgins, Luca Brecel, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Ali Carter, none of whom will therefore appear in Belfast.
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