Former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville and Roy Keane found themselves in a humorous yet pointed exchange over comments made about golfer Rory McIlroy's wife during last year's Ryder Cup.
The Podcast Request That Left Keane Baffled
During a recent taping of The Overlap's Stick to Football podcast, Gary Neville informed his fellow pundit, Roy Keane, that he would need to apologise to Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll. The request, made in jest before McIlroy joined the panel, left a visibly stunned Keane searching for an explanation.
"You're going to have to apologise to Rory and his wife by the way for insulting her on the programme," Neville stated. A flabbergasted Keane retorted, "How did I insult her? For getting a new outfit, how is that an insult?"
Roots in Last Year's Chaotic Ryder Cup
The incident Neville referred to dates back to October, following the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. The biennial competition was marred by significant abuse from sections of the US crowd, specifically targeted at McIlroy and his wife, Erica, who was reportedly hit by a cup of beer.
On the podcast at that time, Keane delivered a passionate monologue questioning the impact of the taunts. "Do you think he's going to be upset by a few people? It's ridiculous!" Keane argued, comparing the pressure to a football match at Anfield.
He then added his now-controversial advice: "Let me tell you what you say to your partner. If I was a golfer and my partner was getting abuse, I'd tell them, 'Just stay at the hotel, love. I'll see you tonight when I get back.'"
McIlroy's Response and Europe's Triumph
When Rory McIlroy later appeared on the same podcast episode, he was shown a clip of Keane's comments. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman admitted his wife "loved this" segment and elaborated on the difficult atmosphere.
McIlroy revealed he had indeed suggested the partners avoid the course, saying, "I was saying, why don't the girls just go into New York City for the week, have a good time, we'll see you on Sunday night."
He explained his concern was that any upset felt by the partners might affect the team's mood. However, he praised all the wives and partners, including Erica, for their supportive stance. "In fairness to them, they were like, no, we want to be out there, we want to support you," McIlroy said.
Despite the hostile environment, Team Europe secured a memorable 15-13 victory on the final day of the tournament in September 2025. The abuse was later formally addressed by PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague, who sent an apology to McIlroy for the ordeal he and his family endured.
