The former Manchester United midfielder had little sympathy for Europe’s Ryder Cup hero
13:13, 16 Oct 2025Updated 13:13, 16 Oct 2025
Rory McIlroy and Roy Keane
Roy Keane has little sympathy for Rory McIlroy after the Holywood man was subjected to vile heckling by the US crowd at last month’s Ryder Cup.
McIlroy had abuse hurled at himself and his wife Erica all weekend long, with the grand-slam winner forced to ask security to remove unruly fans from the course on numerous occasions.
Erica was even hit by a cup of beer on the Saturday at Bethpage Black as Europe celebrated their foursome success that left them on the brink of victory.
Speaking after the event, McIlroy, who clapped back at fans and swore at the crowd during the event, called for golf to be held to a higher standard and criticised the behaviour of fans.
The disrespect shown by the fans in New York has been a major talking point in golf over the last three weeks, with two of the US PGA’s top executives apologising for the home fans’ behaviour.
Rory McIlroy, Roy Keane and Ian Wright.(Image: The Overlap X)
When the topic was broached on the Stick To Football podcast this week, former Manchester United midfielder Keane couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about, and believes that if McIlroy and other golfer’s want to see real fan abuse, they should just take a look at soccer stars and what they have to put up with.
“So, you tell me. I’m no expert in golf – I don’t play but I watch the sport,” began Keane.
“You’re saying the pressure on these players because some people were shouting? Become a footballer and go to Leeds or Anfield on a Tuesday night, let me tell you.
“These guys play in big tournaments every week. All of a sudden, they’re going to be upset by a few Yanks?
“You’ve got McIlroy, McIlroy’s won all the big prizes. Do you think he’s going to be upset by a few people? It’s ridiculous!”
And on the abuse, Keane said it shouldn’t have been a factor as the players were ready for it.
He added: “Of course they [knew abuse was coming]. They’ve built it up for the last six months, ‘Wait til you come to America.’ Of course they knew they were going to get abused!”
Erica Stoll and Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup.(Image: (David Cannon/Getty Images))
McIlroy once appeared on Stick to Football alongside Keane and recalled how the ex-United captain once turned down his request for an autograph as a child.
With that clearly still in his head, Keane couldn’t resist one last pop at the European star.
“He shouldn’t be swearing either, should he?” Keane jabbed
“I didn’t see him signing autographs after, by the way! All those little kids waiting for him!”