Stephen Lee has spoken of his devastation upon learning of his 12-year ban from snooker.

The 38-year-old was handed the punishment earlier today after an independent tribunal in Bristol found him guilty of fixing seven matches between 2008 and 2009.

However, speaking to Sky Sports News this afternoon, the former world number five has insisted that he is totally innocent of any wrongdoing.

"I'm absolutely devastated with what has happened here. I'm going to be with the QC on Friday morning and we are going to look at the whole picture and start making some big holes - they've got no facts," he said.

"It's just unbelievable and outrageous. My kids are getting picked on at school and it is totally outrageous what I have been put through. I've been a very angry man for 11 months. We will just wait and see what happens."

When asked if he expected to play snooker again, Lee replied: "Yes, that's all I know. It's the game that I love."

Lee also confirmed that he will release a further statement after the meeting with his QC on Friday.