Unseen moment Rory McIlroy gets fan thrown out for using homophobic slur as USA fans slammed for behaviour

Footage has emerged of Rory McIlroy getting a fan ejected for using a homophobic slur at the Ryder Cup.

The Northern Irishman was the subject of verbal abuse and heckling from American fans throughout Team Europe’s victory at Bethpage Black in New York

McIlroy tasted Ryder Cup glory for the sixth time on Sunday
Luke Donald’s side survived a final-day comeback from Keegan Bradley’s USA to retain the Ryder Cup by a score of 15-13.

And the 2025 edition was a heated affair, with a hostile home crowd aiming constant abuse at many of the European players and their families.

Why did McIlroy get a fan thrown out?

Expletive-laden insults were hurled in particular at Rory McIlroy and his playing partner Shane Lowry, some of which crossed a line.

In a clip shared on social media, the Masters champion can be seen taking action against a fan who called him an offensive slur.

The video, which appears to be taken by the fan who utters the insult, was recorded as McIlroy makes his way across the course with his wife, Erica.

A person behind the ropes can be heard saying: “Rory! Hey, you little fa****.”

McIlroy immediately turns around and gestures at the abusive fan, before calling security over.

Pointing towards them, the 36-year-old says: “Throw him out.”

“For what?” the alleged offender replies, before McIlroy clarifies: “For calling me a fa****.”

McIlroy bore the brunt of the abuse from the vocal Bethpage crowd at the three-day event, which veered into crude personal taunts.

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McIlroy immediately turned around after a fan aimed a homophobic insult at himCredit: X: @insiderJmoney

The golf star quickly identified the abusive spectator, and told security to kick them outCredit: X: @insiderJmoney

Repeated attempts were made to distract him as he prepared to play shots, while his wife was also caught in the crossfire.

Erica had a beer tossed at her as well as abuse across the whole weekend.

This caused McIlroy to lose his cool at times during the week, making an offensive gesture on one occasion.

On Friday, he clapped back at fans who made a huge amount of noise behind him as he set himself for an approach shot.

The five-time major winner turned to the US supporters trying to distract him and shouted: “Guys, can you shut the f*** up!”

‘Golf should be held to a higher standard’

After Europe’s victory, McIlroy addressed the treatment he received in New York, and insisted that sort of behaviour shouldn’t be tolerated at any golfing event.

McIlroy’s wife had to put up with vile abuse at Bethpage BlackCredit: Getty
McIlroy said: “I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.

“Golf teaches you very good life lessons, it teaches you etiquette, it teaches you how to play by the rules, it teaches you how to respect people.

“Sometimes this week we didn’t see that. So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup.”

Footage emerged on social media on Sunday showing the incident where McIlroy’s wife was hit by the beer, who looked shocked, despite not being hurt.

On this, McIlroy said: “Erica is fine. She’s a very, very strong woman. You know, she handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has.

“I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.”

And McIlroy and his teammates were certainly true to their word, with footage on social media showing them celebrating wildly on the team bus afterwards, where the the players were seen leading chants of ‘Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified’.

talkSPORT’s verdict

talkSPORT Breakfast host Jeff Stelling hit out at the American fans at Bethpage Black in a scathing rant on the spectators.

Stelling said: “Can you hear it? That’s the sound of thousands of abusive so-called American golf fans slinking away from Bethpage Black with their tails between their legs.

“That’s the sound of Keegan Bradley, who disgraced himself by saying that the Americans’ behaviour was passion, not abuse.

“That’s the sound of Bryson DeChambeau forgetting he hadn’t beaten Matt Fitzpatrick, forgetting he’d only won one of his five matches and forgetting that the USA had been beaten.

“A win for the good guys!”