Supporters have criticized Don Rea, the PGA of America president, for his reaction to the disgusting abuse targeted at Rory McIlroy and his management of the trophy ceremony at the Ryder Cup.

Team Europe persevered despite a determined fightback from Team USA to claim the Ryder Cup 16.5-11.5, with Shane Lowry draining the putt that guaranteed the Europeans kept hold of the trophy. Although Team Europe secured the Ryder Cup outright, Rea stated during the ceremony that they had merely retained the prize.

McIlroy and his European colleagues faced harsh heckling and personal attacks from spectators at Marco Simone, and demanded action after claiming the Ryder Cup. Before the final round on Sunday, Rea seemed to brush off the heckling, acknowledging that it’s “going to happen” during the Ryder Cup. In one incident, McIlroy demanded action after hearing a homophobic slur directed at him.

Rea might have mishandled the trophy ceremony in Italy, but a Sunday morning interview has subsequently become widely shared. When questioned about the fan conduct following a tense second day at the Ryder Cup, Rea told BBC: “Things like that are going to happen.”

The PGA of America president then made comparisons to other sports, arguing that it’s not exclusively a golf problem. “Well, you have 50,000 people there that are really excited and – heck – you can go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things,” he added.

“We tell fans that booing somebody doesn’t make them play worse; typically, it makes them play better. So our message today, to everybody out here, is: cheer on the Americans like never before because that will always get them to play better. Get them out of crowd control and let them perform.”

When questioned directly about the harassment directed at McIlroy, Rea responded: “I haven’t heard some of that – I’m sure it’s happened. It happened when we were in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands.

“I thought he handled the press conferences amazingly. Things like that are going to happen, and I don’t know what was said. But all I know is golf is the engine of good.”

Following Rea’s remarks about McIlroy and his presentation speech, supporters expressed outrage and demanded his resignation. “Totally classless speech by saying Europe had RETAINED the Ryder Cup, (they won it), he looked like a bitter little man. Resign!” One supporter posted on X. “PGA should have acted quicker and the speech from Don Rea was a disgrace… should resign,” another commented.

“I find this deeply disappointing,” another supporter posted on X. “Our game is built on values of respect, integrity, and inclusion – not ignorance or dismissiveness.

“It has to change, otherwise the event will lose its reputation,” another commented. “He should be resigning over the whole episode. An absolute plum,” one supporter declared.

“That’s an ignorant and insulting response to horrific behavior. Don Rea embarrassed himself and the PGA,” another penned.

Throughout the Ryder Cup, McIlroy was a prime target of abuse, with fellow Irish golfer Shane Lowry having to be held back during Saturday’s play when a spectator started hurling insults at his teammate. Erica Stoll, McIlroy’s wife, also faced harassment when a fan tossed a drink her way.