verbal abuse

McIlroy bore the brunt of verbal abuse from a hostile crowd throughout the event at Bethpage Black and hit out at "unacceptable and abusive behaviour" after his wife Erica was hit by a drink thrown by an American fan.

Europe's victory in New York last month came amid torrents of verbal abuse from the home crowd.

The verbal abuse and other inappropriate behavior directed toward McIlroy and his European teammates worsened as the weekend went on.

Asked specifically about the verbal abuse directed toward McIlroy, Rea said: “You know, it happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side. And Rory understands. I thought he handled the press conference just amazingly. But yeah, things like that are going to happen. And I don’t know what was said, but all I know is golf is the engine of good.”

While McIlroy was subjected to verbal abuse, his wife Erica was hit by a drink thrown by an American fan on the 17th tee.