Europe stars given instructions on potential Just Stop Oil Ryder Cup disruption
Luke Donald has told his Europe stars not to engage with any Just Stop Oil protestors should they involve themselves in the Ryder Cup.
The campaigners have made their mark at a host of sporting events throughout 2023 with Wimbledon, the Ashes and the Grand National among them. This weekend's tournament, the biggest team event in golf, presents them with another opportunity in the Italian capital.
The Marco Simone Golf and Country Club will play host to three days of golf, involving the world's top stars, with the eyes of the sporting world on it. That is an ideal setting for Just Stop Oil to make their message - but Europe's captain doesn't want a repeat of Jonny Bairstow's Ashes antics.
He said: "I have no idea how likely it is (to happen), but there's a plan in place for everything. The guys will be told not to interact with the guys, let security deal with that and then we'll carry on."
The England star intervened to help rid of a protestor at Lord's as he picked them up and physically removed them, earning huge applause. His stance was well received by many with the campaigners proving divisive due to their disruptive tactics.
Security though are on high alert and Donald doesn't want Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and co to go manhandling those who find themselves on the course.
Jonny Bairstow removed a protestor during the Ashes (PA)The European captain has also maintained he won't be following in the footsteps of former captain, Thomas Bjorn, who got a tattoo following Europe's success in Paris four years ago. The Dane got the trophy and the winning score inked onto his backside, but Donald won't be taking inspiration.
He joked: "There are no guarantees on the tattoo. I certainly don't have any on my body, just to let you in. But I'm sure we can find a suitable way to celebrate if it goes our way on Sunday."
Europe are looking to regain the Ryder Cup having lost it two years ago at Whistling Straits. America recorded a commanding victory and are looking to win on foreign soil for the first time since 1993 with Zach Johnson leading an outfit that contains six of the world's top 10 including Scottie Scheffler.
McIlroy, who made his Ryder Cup debut in 2010, has been told by his captain to lead with his actions and doesn't expect the Northern Irishman to be making rousing speeches as one of the team's leaders. "He doesn't expect me to stand up there and make big speeches or say a lot of things," said the 34-year-old. "As Luke said, [I can] lead with my clubs, making birdies and getting blue on the board."
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
