US golf legend Tom Watson on Monday condemned unruly People followers who taunted European gamers throughout their Ryder Cup victory, saying he was “ashamed” by their behaviour.
Europe’s win at Bethpage Black in New York on Sunday got here after three days of fierce competitors which noticed US followers barrack European gamers relentlessly.
Rory McIlroy, who bore the brunt of the abuse, on Sunday described the conduct of American followers, who at one stage hurled a beer at his spouse Erica, as “unacceptable”. In a put up on social media on Monday, former US Ryder Cup captain Watson stated the group behaviour had crossed a line.
“I’d wish to apologise for the impolite and mean-spirited behaviour from our American crowd at Bethpage,” the eight-time main champion wrote.
“As a former participant, captain, and as an American, I’m ashamed of what occurred.”
McIlroy repeatedly clashed verbally with spectators throughout Saturday’s play, at one stage utilizing an obscenity as he informed them to “shut up” as he ready to play a shot.
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He additionally backed out of putts resulting from crowd noise, which at one level prompted match officers to station additional safety together with police canine across the inexperienced.
“There was numerous language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour,” McIlroy stated after Europe’s victory on Sunday.
“It must be off-limits, however clearly it wasn’t this week.”