Ryder Cup: Obscene chanting - US fans face probe - Belfast Telegraph

Monday, 1 October 2012

Ryder Cup chiefs have launched an investigation into allegations of obscene chanting directed by American fans at the players, officials and wives of the European team.

A number of stories surfaced over the weekend of isolated incidents involving fans shouting abuse and making insulting comments to the European team during matches.

During the fourballs on Saturday afternoon, one fan made an obscene comment relating to the late Seve Ballesteros, which was clearly audible to TV viewers.

There have also been accusations that American fans have been targeting the wives of the European team for verbal abuse, as well as a fan who taunted Justin Rose over the death of his father, Ken, who passed away 10 years ago after battling cancer.

Two young spectators were ejected from the course for shouting obscenities at Europe's Nicolas Colsaerts. But it is the chanting about Ballesteros that will be most shocking to those in Europe.

The fan at the 16th tee shouted the obscenity during the fourball match between Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar and Paul Lawrie and Colsaerts.

Ballesteros, the Spanish former Ryder Cup player and captain, who died last year, was a close friend of many members of the European team. His image adorns the team's bags, and the navy sweaters worn by the European players yesterday.

In also emerged that some of the wives and partners of the European players were verbally abused by spectators on Friday.

The incident took place during the conclusion of the final match featuring Colsaerts, Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker. Kristin Stape, the girlfriend of Graeme McDowell, is thought to be one of those who was targeted.