Why wouldn’t you at the very least acknowledge a high run starting at the next break ball after 44?That would seem more than a little odd but what many don't understand is that "cue ball fouls only" has a very narrow definition. The only thing that becomes a nonfoul is incidental contact of one other ball that doesn't affect the outcome of the shot. All other fouls still apply. Moving that object ball around during the shot as Shaw did would be a foul in typical "cue ball fouls only" play.
I don't like it but the BCA was asked to certify a 714 ball run. They could have acknowledged a 44 ball run but anything after the foul is just banging balls around. Had the foul been on the 670th ball then they could have certified a 669 ball run but there would have been a bit of smell about that because the BCA hadn't been asked to certify a 669 ball run. If the same video had been submitted but the BCA been asked to certify a 669 ball run I wouldn't see any issues unless closer scrutiny brings something else to light.
I don't think a little incidental contact during the shot affected the run. However, "during the shot" is huge. We either draw a hard line there or contact is OK when you are bridged over a ball or "accidentally" clearing a ball out of the stroke path.
Regrettably, Shaw has a 44 ball run. He has shown himself capable of a 714 ball run and I hope he gets back in the arena as planned and buries that 714 ball attempt and all controversy. The person that breaks 1000 will be remembered and recent runs indicate that is far from impossible. Shaw could be the man!
Hu