Rory McIlroy says golf should never accept bad behaviour after Ryder Cup abuse
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Rory McIlroy said police dogs should have been let off leashes after his wife was struck by a beer can amid unacceptable scenes at the Ryder Cup. The Northern Irishman was heckled throughout the three days at Bethpage Black by a raucous crowd, suffering crude personal taunts and repeated attempts to distract him as he prepared to play shots. The world number two revealed his wife Erica was also caught in the commotion as a beer tossed from the crowd hit her hat when the atmosphere was at its most frenzied during Saturday’s fractious fourballs session. McIlroy himself lost his cool at times during the week, making an offensive gesture on one occasion and shouting back on another, while play was repeatedly held up as police tried to restore calm. “I wish they had let the dogs off the leashes,” said McIlroy in a press conference after Europe held off a remarkable United States fightback to win the trophy 15-13 on Sunday. “The police out there and the amount of security presence was insane. “Look, nothing was going to happen – there wasn’t going to be physical altercation or anything like that – but there was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour. “It’s a minority of the crowd, it’s not the majority. The majority of people here are true golf fans and are respectful, but I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf. “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. She was not hurt but looked shocked. Masters champion 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.” Shane Lowry, McIlroy’s playing partner at the time, said: “I was out there for two days with Erica and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing and the way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable, and kudos to her for that.” McIlroy rose above the taunts to deliver three-and-a-half points across the foursomes and fourballs sessions but was unable to maintain his momentum as he was beaten by Scottie Scheffler on the 18th hole in the singles. “I felt like I was running on empty,” he said. Ultimately it did not matter as Europe denied the US an unlikely comeback victory. McIlroy said: “We did what we needed to do and we are going to celebrate like there is no tomorrow.”
Rory McIlroy interview after Ryder Cup 2025 win
After a “really tough week”, Rory McIlroy says winning the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, coupled with his Masters victory in April, has made 2025 the best year of his golfing career. WATCH MORE: Rory vs the crowd at the Ryder Cup Available to UK users only.
Three nations unite for U10 Rugby League in Fiji – FBC News
[Photo: Supplied] Churchill Park in Lautoka was alive with energy over the weekend as the Dragons two-day Gala Tournament brought together young rugby league players from Fiji, Australia and New Zealand in a landmark international youth event. For the first time, the Under-10 competition saw local western clubs share the field with the Engadine Dragons from Cronulla and Auckland’s Marist Saints, creating a unique celebration of rugby league across the Pacific. Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata, who attended the tournament, praised the opportunity it provided for development. Article continues after advertisement “It’s good to see the turnout – young kids participating in sports, especially in rugby league. It’s a good learning experience for the clubs in the west. Hopefully, next year we can take it across to Suva because I can see the difference in the way the boys from Australia play compared to the boys from Fiji. It’s good learning. I think we should encourage this more often; in two or three years, it will help rugby league in Fiji, especially the Vodafone Cup, if we build the young kids properly.” [Photo: Supplied] The tournament was the vision of co-founders Dean Sharman and Tamara Marshall, who have worked with local clubs over the past two years to lift the standard of junior rugby league in Fiji. Sharman says their aim was to provide a pathway for young players while giving them exposure to international standards. “This Mod League event came about sixteen months ago when we realized that junior rugby league in Fiji was underdeveloped. We held development clinics and a domestic gala day to improve the skills of the children leading up to this event. Now, we’re thrilled to showcase 11 Fijian sides, Auckland Marist from New Zealand, and the Engadine Dragons from Australia. It’s an international gala day, and we’re teaching the kids all the rules, including the two-pass rule, and how we operate back in Australia. We’re truly honored to contribute to the future of Fijian rugby league.” [Photo: Supplied] Churchill Park turned into a hub of cheering families and cultural exchange, with visiting teams also engaging in school visits and community activities throughout the week. As the final whistle blew, the historic gathering was seen not just as a tournament, but as the start of a new chapter for junior rugby league in Fiji—a foundation for growth, unity, and long-term development across the region. [Photo: Supplied] Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Luke Donald endures ‘most stressful 12 hours’ as Europe hold on for victory
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more History-making Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald endured the “most stressful 12 hours” of his life after Europe narrowly fought off a United States comeback. Victory looked a formality after a stunning opening two days at Bethpage Black saw them take a record-breaking 11.5-4.5 into Sunday’s singles. When Viktor Hovland pulled out of his match with Harris English due to a neck injury and both sides were awarded half a point, Donald’s men needed just two points from the 11 remaining matches. They were hunting victory by a record margin, but were instead facing the prospect of a record comeback as Keegan Bradley’s side roared back into contention. A wave of early points gave the US hope until Shane Lowry’s half against Russell Henley ensured the trophy was retained, with Tyrrell Hatton winning it outright during the 10th match. “It’s been the most stressful 12 hours in my life,” a relieved Donald said. “I knew it would be tough. I didn’t think they would be this tough on Sunday, they fought so hard, and all the respect to them. “But this means a lot obviously to me and the team. We came here knowing that the task was very difficult. “I couldn’t be more proud of these guys and what they have done through, how they have come together, how they are playing for history, how they are playing for the people that came before them, and now there will be talk for generations to come as someone going down in history. Couldn’t be more proud.” Donald created history by becoming the first man to win the Ryder Cup home and away as a player and captain. “I was just fortunate to have a team that knew me and trusted me,” he said. “That’s all I’ve ever tried to do, just be the best prepared I can be. “So many different things I went into this deal with, the environment, the communication with the players.” Victory was Europe’s first away from home since the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012 and just their fifth on American soil. Donald revealed that those past wins were used as an inspiration. “Our theme was we were trying to win for a fifth time away. We talked about it at the beginning of the week,” he said. “The practise shirts were based off the wins we had already had away in ’87, ’95, ’04, 2012. “Everything we did was centred around that, and to make the guys feel that we had done it quite often. “In 10 Ryder Cups since ’83, we had won four of them and we had come damn close three other times. This wasn’t an impossible task. “We knew it was going to be difficult. We wanted to inspire them to know it could be done. “My job, again, is to give them the reasons to make them believe that they can win. So that was really our theme.”
Emotional Lowry almost lost for words after crucial Ryder Cup putt
Shane Lowry is almost lost for words following his crucial putt to retain the Ryder Cup for Europe.
Europe struggling to secure Ryder Cup as United States launch stunning fightback
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Europe were struggling to hold off a brilliant comeback from the United States at the Ryder Cup. The defending champions had begun the final day’s singles session leading 12-5 at Bethpage Black but the Americans roared back. They secured three successive points to cut the deficit to 12-8 and were leading in four other matches heading into the closing stages. Cameron Young, Justin Thomas and Xander Schauffele were the victorious Americans with wins over Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm respectively. Ludvig Aberg finally stemmed the tide as he beat Patrick Cantlay 2&1 and Matt Fitzpatrick held off a storming fightback from Bryson DeChambeau to half his match, having led by five after eight holes. With Europe having claimed a half before play after Viktor Hovland withdrew injured, the score was 13.5-8.5. Rory McIlroy also fell short in a tight battle with Scottie Scheffler losing by one hole, leaving the score 13.5-9.5.
Marist Women retain title at Eastgate Memorial Hockey Tournament – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Marist Men’s Hockey Club] Marist Women successfully defended their title at the Eastgate Memorial Hockey Tournament in Suva this afternoon, edging out Stingers 1-0 in a tightly contested final. Both teams went into halftime locked at 0-0, but Marist broke the deadlock in the second half and held firm to secure the win. Captain Mona Biukoto acknowledged the pressure that came with entering the tournament as defending champions. Article continues after advertisement “The teams have been preparing really well, stingers have been preparing with great numbers and that sort of put pressure on the team to step up and push ourselves to defend our title this year.” [Photo Credit: Marist Men’s Hockey Club] Despite fielding a squad with more young and inexperienced players than seasoned ones, she expressed pride in their performance and determination. Biukoto also extended her gratitude to the team’s supporters, families, and friends for showing up in strong numbers to cheer them on. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Villa end winless start with victory over Fulham
Ollie Watkins ends his goal drought as Aston Villa come from behind to beat Fulham for their first Premier League win of the season.
Gabriel’s last-gasp header snatches Arsenal victory at Newcastle
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Gabriel pounced with a stoppage-time header to end Arsenal’s miserable run at Newcastle with a dramatic 2-1 victory. The defender, who had earlier appeared to catch Magpies goalscorer Nick Woltemade in the face with a flailing arm, struck in the sixth minute of added time at the end of a pulsating encounter at St James’ Park. Mikel Arteta’s men were trailing 1-0 to Woltemade’s 34th-minute header with six minutes of regulation time remaining despite dominating for long periods, but after former Magpie Mikel Merino equalised after 84 minutes, Gabriel’s header ended a run of three successive defeats on Tyneside. It was little more than they deserved on an afternoon when goalkeeper Nick Pope denied the hugely impressive Eberechi Eze twice and Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber either side of an overturned penalty decision. But having come so close to winning it, defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who saw Tino Livramento carried off on a stretcher ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League trip to Union Saint-Gilloise. Arsenal were first to press when striker Viktor Gyokeres headed a second-minute Declan Rice free-kick straight at Pope, and the Magpies keeper had to get down well to his left to turn away Eze’s left-footed strike after Timber’s cross had been only half-cleared three minutes later. The Gunners’ slick interplay kept them on the front foot as Martin Zubimendi and Rice held sway in the middle of the field, although Arsenal keeper David Raya was called upon for the first time when he fielded an 11th-minute Malick Thiaw header from Sandro Tonali’s corner. The home side enjoyed a major let-off with 14 minutes gone when Gyokeres went down under Pope’s challenge as the pair closed on Jacob Murphy’s ill-judged back-pass after Eze’s long ball had allowed Saka to cause major problems. Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, but was advised to review his decision and ultimately decided the feint touch the keeper got on the ball before colliding with the striker meant he had played it and therefore changed his decision, much to Arteta’s obvious disbelief. The post came to Pope’s rescue after Saka and Rice had combined in superb style to set up Leandro Trossard, and Sven Botman had to block an Eze effort, but it took a fine diving stop from the Newcastle keeper to repel a stinging 29th-minute Eze strike after the home defence had failed to deal with Riccardo Calafiori’s long throw. Saka called upon Pope at his near post after bursting free down the right three minutes later, but it was the hosts who took the lead 11 minutes before the break when, after defender Cristhian Mosquera had conceded a needless corner, Tonali played the ball short to Anthony Gordon and then curled in a cross which Woltemade headed firmly past Raya. A tempestuous first half drew to a close with the Magpies ahead, but having ridden their luck, they found themselves under the cosh once again on their return with Eze causing major headaches. Gordon and Joelinton both fired across the face of Raya’s goal, but Pope had to claw away Timber’s deft header from Zubimendi’s clipped 59th-minute pass and Joelinton did just enough to deflect a Gyokeres shot wide with 19 minutes remaining. Gabriel survived a late VAR check after substitute Anthony Elanga’s shot appeared to hit his arm and after Merino had glanced Rice’s cross past Pope to level, it was the Brazilian defender who snatched victory at the death when he headed substitute Martin Odegaard’s corner past Pope.
England finally deliver when it matters to win Women’s World Cup – FBC News
Source: Reuters England finally delivered when it really mattered on Saturday when they outclassed Canada 33-13 in front of a delirious record 81,885 Twickenham crowd to win the Women’s Rugby World Cup for the third time on a memorable day for the sport. England came into the game having won 62 of their last 63 games spanning six years, with the glaring failure being their agonising World Cup final defeat to New Zealand in 2022 – one of six final defeats. This time, however, they made no mistake, racing to a 21-8 halftime lead, defending well when they had to, then finishing strongly to extend their record winning run to 33 games and underline their status as the sport’s superpower. Article continues after advertisement “These girls are awesome,” said coach John Mitchell as England added to their triumphs of 1994 and 2014. “Three years ago we set about doing something and we finally took the last few steps today. “I think 2022 taught us a lot. We knew we would be good at the rugby but at the end of the day I think our culture won, with the values that have guided us to this point.“We can dominate the world for a long time but the world’s going to get better, so this is just the start.” For England, but also for the whole of women’s rugby, it was a wonderful occasion to cap off a tournament that has dwarfed the nine that came before. “This is unimaginable,” said England scrumhalf Natasha Hunt. “I am so proud of the girls. I hope this stays for women’s rugby.” Relentless flanker and player of the match Sadia Kabeya said: “It’s amazing. Thank you to everyone who came out here today. It’s a pinch-me moment. It’s been years and years in the making, I am so happy we could pull it off.” Around 50,000 fans filed into Twickenham early to see New Zealand beat France 42-26 in the Bronze final and by the time the teams ran out for the main event the biggest crowd by far to watch a women’s rugby match were at fever pitch. CANADA TAKE EARLY LEAD The air went out of the balloon somewhat after five minutes as Canada, who had to crowd-fund their trip, stole a lineout and sent Asia Hogan-Rochester over for the opening try. It proved only the briefest of blips, however, as England recovered and quickly stamped their authority on the match. They hit back through their sharpest attacker and the crowd’s darling – world player of the year Ellie Kildunne – who scythed through four defenders to score a trademark try under the posts. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.