Snooker star Milkins, known as The Milkman, apologises for turning up drunk at an event in Turkey

Robert Milkins faces disciplinary action after ending up in a hospital in Turkey following a marathon birthday drinking session that turned ugly.

The world No 44, known as The Milkman, turned 46 on Sunday and arrived at the opening ceremony for the inaugural Turkish Masters in Antalya the worse for wear.

Milkins was involved in an altercation with guests at the VIP bash and after falling and splitting his chin open in the toilets he had a row with Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

Robert Milkins (above) faces disciplinary action after ending up in a hospital in Turkey

Milkins was rushed to a nearby hospital where he had his stomach pumped. It was a highly embarrassing incident for the snooker authorities on their first visit to a new territory with huge potential.

To complete a catastrophic 48 hours, Milkins crashed out after losing 5-4 to China’s Ding Junhui on Tuesday.

Milkins, who uses The Wurzels hit I Am a Cider Drinker as his walk-on music, said: ‘I drank far too much. I don’t know exactly what happened — I was in a state where I didn’t know where I was. 

Milkins arrived at the opening ceremony for the inaugural Turkish Masters worse for wear

‘It was my birthday and I had been drinking for a long time but that is no excuse.

‘I can only apologise to any guests I offended. I wouldn’t have known who it was. My behaviour was totally out of order. I will take whatever punishment I receive. It won’t be happening again.

‘I only play to try and support my kids and I have let them down as well, which is the worst bit. Maybe it was karma for me to then lose.’