Rory McIlroy has found himself at the centre of a heated transatlantic debate after baseball great Chipper Jones claimed the Northern Irishman is partly to blame for the torrent of abuse directed at him and his wife Erica at Bethpage Black this weekend.
McIlroy, 36, has endured a volatile few days at the Ryder Cup, facing a hostile New York crowd that has hurled expletives, personal jibes and even drinks in his direction.
Erica was reportedly left in tears after Saturday’s play, forcing extra security to be deployed around the marquee match involving McIlroy and Shane Lowry.
But while many have condemned the behaviour of fans, World Series champion Jones suggested the golfer should have anticipated the hostile atmosphere – and even gone as far as to leave his family at home.
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“Hi… my name is Chipper Jones,” the eight-time MLB All-Star wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“I played in NY 12-15 times every year for 20 years and multiple times in the postseason.
“At no time in two decades was my family EVER allowed to go to a game in NY. What do you expect to happen? Is it right? No! But when you are public enemy No 1… expect to be treated harshly.
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Rory McIlroy has found himself at the centre of a heated transatlantic debate after baseball great Chipper Jones claimed the Northern Irishman is partly to blame for the torrent of abuse directed at him and his wife Erica at Bethpage Black this weekend
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“No way that I expose my wife or kids to that. It’s unfair, but it’s reality in NY! PS… in response to the NY crowd… epic performance by Euro team!”
Jones’ comments have divided opinion and gone viral, racking up nearly two million views within hours.
Critics accused him of excusing unacceptable behaviour, arguing that fans should be held to higher standards regardless of the venue.
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Hi….my name is Chipper Jones. I played in NY 12-15 times every yr for 20 yrs and multiple times in the postseason. AT NO TIME in 2 decades was my family EVER allowed to go to a game in NY. What do u expect to happen? Is it right? No! But when u are public enemy #1….expect to be… https://t.co/7JE33ZOIC3
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) September 28, 2025
“Chipper, I am a Braves fan from the UK but you have just embarrassed yourself,” one fan replied. “Nobody should accept bad behaviour just because it’s New York. Call it what it is – unacceptable.”
Another user added: “This is an outrageous take. I’ve been to countless games in New York and never once had a drink thrown at me. This isn’t just ‘part of the experience.’”
The furore stems from a clip circulating online that appears to show McIlroy and Erica having a drink thrown from the grandstand as they walked off the 18th on Saturday.
McIlroy could be seen putting his arm around his wife and asking if she was okay before escorting her away.
Bethpage had already been a cauldron of noise throughout the first two days.
On Friday, McIlroy appeared to raise his middle finger at hecklers after one round, and on Saturday he was met with chants of “f*** you, Rory” on the first tee, led by an American comedian who has since stepped down from her role as MC.
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|REUTERS
The situation escalated as the day wore on, with McIlroy at one point telling spectators: “Guys, shut the f*** up.”
By the final green, he was visibly incensed, pointing to the gallery and shouting: “F*** you, f*** you, f*** you.”
Tournament organisers have confirmed that additional security measures will remain in place for Sunday’s singles matches, with several spectators already ejected.
McIlroy, meanwhile, will attempt to channel the hostility into a performance that helps Europe maintain their lead and reclaim the Ryder Cup on American soil.