Former UFC champion defends Rory McIlroy saying fans 'could get their ass whooped'
Rory McIlroy had to deal with vile abuse from a section of fans during the Ryder Cup last month
Former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley has defended Rory McIlroy’s spat with fans at the Ryder Cup - and warned fans could get their asses whooped.
Tensions were high as Team Europe saw off the American challenge at Bethpage Black with a section of the home support hurling abuse at McIlroy over the three days.
The Holywood golfer's wife, Erica Stoll, was struck by a plastic cup, during McIlroy's round on the Saturday leaving her in tears.
The world number two let his feelings be known to those abusing him during the tournament and Woodley said spectators should "step back and start being spectators again".
“I think as a human being you have the right to defend yourself. And we as spectators gotta also step back and start being spectators again," he told Fruity King.
"We gotta quit thinking that we can say and do whatever we want to, because we give the fans so much access to us.
“Right now, they think they're entitled to their opinion, plus they're entitled to say whatever they want to say to you at any point in time. I don't agree with that.
“You can also get your ass whooped, some athletes may go ahead and take matters into their own hands.
“I'm not saying that Rory was one that was going to do that, but people just assume that that's not a possibility, and it actually is.”