Rory McIlroy in carpark flashpoint after 18th hole caddy row

Rory McIlroy had to be physically restrained by Shane Lowry in the carpark of the Marco Simone Golf Course after an apparent issue with Patrick Cantlay's caddy following their match on Day 2 of the Ryder Cup in Rome.

McIlroy and his playing partner Matt Fitzpatrick were beaten on the final hole by Cantlay and Wyndham Clark as the American's won the second-day Fourballs 3-1 to give themselves a sliver of hope going into the Sunday Singles trailing by five points.

antlay made the winning putt, leading his caddy, former Tiger Woods bagman Joe LaCava, to celebrate by raising his cap to the crowd several times in close proximity to McIlroy.

The Holywood man and partner Fitzpatrick were both yet to putt to tie the hole and McIlroy appeared to briefly step away from his putt while LaCava went through his routine.

After the day's play, TV pictures showed an animated McIlroy arguing forcibly with someone out of picture before being ushered into his waiting car by countryman Lowry, playing the role of peacemaker.

Earlier reports had suggested Cantlay had been the subject of a rift in the American camp and was refusing the wear a team cap in protest. This is believed to have led to LaCava's overzealous antics on the final green.

Cantlay and his team captainb, Zach Johnson. have denied the rumours with Johnson declaring them "asinine".