Rory McIlroy has condemned the 'unacceptable' abuse he and his family received from US fans during the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, revealing his wife Erica was hit by a thrown beer. The European star spoke emotionally after Europe's 15-13 victory, describing the behaviour as below golf's standards.
'I don't think we should ever accept that in golf,' McIlroy said. 'Golf should be held to a higher standard. It teaches etiquette and respect, but this week we didn't see that.' He confirmed his wife was struck during Saturday's play but said she handled it with 'class and poise'.
McIlroy also criticised the focus on heckling rather than supporting players. 'I didn't hear many shouts for Scottie Scheffler, but plenty against me. Support your own team.' He admitted the abuse got to him at times but said Europe silenced the crowd with their performance.
Shane Lowry, McIlroy's teammate, expressed shock at the abuse directed at Erica McIlroy. 'The amount she received was astonishing. She was out there supporting her husband and team brilliantly.'
US captain Keegan Bradley called for a rule change after Viktor Hovland's injury forced him to remove Harris English from the draw, giving Europe half points. 'It has to change by the next Ryder Cup,' he said.
Europe captain Luke Donald, visibly drained, praised his team's resilience. 'It's been the most stressful 12 hours of my life. The Americans fought so hard, but I couldn't be prouder of my players. They will be talked about for generations.'
