Roy Keane has taken a swipe at Rory McIlroy and the wives of Team Europe’s golfers after the drama that unfolded during last month’s Ryder Cup in New York.
The event was overshadowed by ugly scenes as American fans hurled insults at the European players, even as they held on to win the trophy. McIlroy and Shane Lowry faced the harshest treatment, with many of the taunts aimed at their families.
Things boiled over on Saturday when McIlroy was seen losing his cool over the constant jeers from the home crowd. After the tournament, he called out the fans’ behaviour — but Keane wasn’t impressed.
Speaking on The Stick to Football podcast, the former Manchester United captain said he had zero sympathy for the golfers, claiming they should be used to pressure and hostile environments.
“I don’t play golf, but I watch it,” Keane said. “You mean to tell me they’re upset because some people shouted at them? Try being a footballer at Leeds or Anfield on a Tuesday night — that’s pressure. These guys play big events every week, and now they’re crying over a few noisy Americans? Come on.”
Keane argued that Team Europe knew exactly what they were walking into.
“They’d been talking about it for months — ‘Wait till you come to America.’ So why act surprised? They knew they were going to get abused,” he added.
He also took aim at the presence of players’ wives and partners during the competition. McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, was reportedly hit by a beer thrown from the crowd, but Keane showed little sympathy.
“If my partner was getting abuse, I’d tell her, ‘Stay in the hotel, I’ll see you later,’” Keane said. “You don’t go to other tournaments, but for the Ryder Cup you get a new outfit and show up — and now I’m getting stick because of it? Go home! They’re staying in luxury hotels anyway, not tents.”
Keane finished his rant with one final dig at McIlroy, referencing a past story where McIlroy said Keane refused to sign his autograph as a child.
“Well, he shouldn’t be swearing either, should he?” Keane joked. “And I didn’t see him signing autographs after — all those little kids waiting for him!”
McIlroy has yet to respond publicly to Keane’s comments.
Leave a Reply