"Not remotely like Rome": Europe's anger at US fans at the Ryder Cup

Team Europe's triumph at the 2025 Ryder Cup in Bethpage Black, New York, was a historic success. But immediately after the jubilation, the focus shifts to the unsportsmanlike excesses of a section of the US crowd. A few days after the Battle of Long Island, the European winners, who are now competing in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, spoke out sharply and personally about the incidents.

The message is clear: the hostility went far beyond a "hostile environment" and turned into unacceptable personal insults - an event that the players do not want to leave unchallenged.

Rory McIlroy at the center of the verbal assault

The main target of the incessant verbal aggression was superstar Rory McIlroy. The intensity of the attacks was so high that it shocked even hardened professionals. Shane Lowry called the verbal abuse against McIlroy's wife, Erica, "astonishing". It was also revealed that a beer was thrown from the crowd and hit her on the arm.

McIlroy himself described the behavior as "unacceptable". Other players were also targeted. Tyrrell Hatton received insults about his height and hairline, while Scotsman Robert MacIntyre chose a creative form of revenge: he posted a video montage of his best moments, accompanied by the "nastiest comments" he had to endure. His ironic caption: "Keep them coming".

Scandal over the Rome comparison: "Quite insulting"

Statements from US officials caused additional upset. PGA President Don Rea and captain Keegan Bradley tried to play down the incidents in Bethpage by claiming that the atmosphere was no worse than that experienced by the Americans in Rome in 2023.

The European players vehemently disagree with this relativization:

• Tyrrell Hatton firmly rejected the comparison: "I'm sure what I heard last week doesn't remotely come close to Rome... I think they're pretty far apart."
• Matt Fitzpatrick was even more blunt: "I saw the interview with the PGA guy where he said it was the same in Rome. That's pretty insulting to the European fans that he said that." Fitzpatrick revealed that his parents had not traveled to the tournament as a precaution due to the expected hostility.

The line between cheering and hostility

Tommy Fleetwood, who emphasized that the majority of American fans were not berating the team, drew a clear line: "There's a big difference between a hostile environment and personal comments." He emphasized that players are prepared for a rough "away-game" atmosphere, but, "Personal comments can go too far, and you obviously hope that doesn't happen again." The players' wish is unanimous: it should be about a "respectful competition" where "you let the guys play and the better team wins" rather than trying to influence the outcome with insults.

Half-hearted congratulations and official apology

The criticism was also directed at the award ceremony. Matt Fitzpatrick described a "little bitterness" at the trophy presentation. He accused PGA President Rea of not having "congratulated from the heart" and falsely saying that Team Europe had "only defended" the trophy instead of winning it. At least an official gesture followed: Derek Sprague, CEO of the PGA of America, condemned the behavior and announced an apology to McIlroy, his wife Erica and the entire Team Europe. He emphasized that the behaviour was "not in keeping with the values of the PGA of America".

The European winners are now enjoying the "worlds away" calmer and more respectful atmosphere in Scotland. Let's hope that this painful experience helps to ensure that the next duel for the Cup will be characterized by sporting passion and mutual respect.