Europe withstood a furious American fightback at Bethpage Black, where the hosts began the final day trailing 12-5 but surged in the singles before eventually falling short.
Tyrrell Hatton’s half point against Collin Morikawa clinched outright victory after Shane Lowry’s nerveless putt on 18 had earlier ensured the trophy would be flying back with the Europeans.
The win, however, was overshadowed by ugly scenes from sections of the home support, with Rory McIlroy among those targeted by abuse. A beer thrown from the crowd even struck the hat of McIlroy’s wife, Erica.
US captain Keegan Bradley defended the “passionate” home support and suggested he had heard “a lot of stories that Rome was pretty violent as well.” Rea struck a similar note in a BBC interview before the singles, insisting such behaviour had also been seen in Europe.
Fitzpatrick, though, was unimpressed.
“I saw the interview with the PGA guy discussing how it was the same in Rome. It is pretty offensive to European fans the fact that he said that really,” said the 2022 US Open champion ahead of this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of everyone but we did feel there was a little bit of bitterness when we they presented the trophy there and shook hands.
“Me and Rosey (Justin Rose) both looked at each other as if to say, ‘that wasn’t a very heartfelt congratulations’ – and he said we only retained it but actually we won it.”
Fitzpatrick added: “I wouldn’t say we were looking for an apology but I would say it’s understandable that they would apologise.
“I have had a number of friends who are American send messages, texts, all sorts, apologising for the fans and saying really sorry that you had to deal with that stuff, but we knew what we were going to deal with going in.”
