Rory McIlroy apologised for using bad language on Twitter after a heated interchange of tweets between Ian Poulter and Welsh soccer star Robbie Savage got out of hand.

Poulter and Savage mutually abused each - subjects ranged from lack of success, questionable dress sense and sheer lack of class - for more than an hour before McIlroy jumped to the defence of his Ryder Cup team mate by calling the Derby County midfield at “TWAT”.

Sorry guys I probably shouldn’t have said the “T” word, but just couldn’t think of a better description!

The “banter” between Poulter and Savage became increasingly childish before McIlroy felt he had to say something.

Not for the first time in recent years, the 21-year old Ulsterman was soon regretting his honesty. For what it’s worth, here’s a selection of some of the Tweets. Oscar Wilde can rest easy. (Chronology of exchanges is not completely accurate but who cares…)

@RobbieSavage8 @TheRealDjSpoony spoony have you seen Robbies stats 33 goals in 17 years playing. Say no more Shite. about 9 hours ago via web in reply to RobbieSavage8

@IanJamesPoulter wrong pal do your homework !! How many majors you won …..errrrrr.. None … Oh and never will and you’d gears shite about 9 hours ago via Echofon

@IanJamesPoulter just bought a pair or your golf shoes ?????http://plixi.com/p/51254162 about 9 hours ago via Echofon       

@RobbieSavage8 @therealdjspoony im quite happy knowing i own a business that is making money, if u owned 1 it would be called chavtastic about 9 hours ago via web in reply to RobbieSavage8

@RobbieSavage8 Before you start hammering people at the top of there game, trying getting there first that will give you right to. ur Shite about 9 hours ago via web in reply to RobbieSavage8

@IanJamesPoulter stop making an arse of yourself with your clothes pal they are ridiculous less is more !

@RobbieSavage8 how can you tell anyone how to dress. check this likeness out. http://twitpic.com/2yh7ej about 9 hours ago via TwitExport

@RobbieSavage8 Thanks Robbie, well done u won the league cup in 2000 NOTHING else. say no more about 9 hours ago via web in reply to RobbieSavage8

@IanJamesPoulter mate I respect you as a golfer but I only have banter with the best players in there field swan , rio ,so bye pal

@RobbieSavage8 I guess being top 10 in the world isnt to bad. whats it like not even being in the top 1000 footballers in the world EVER. about 9 hours ago via web in reply to RobbieSavage8

@IanJamesPoulter matdim happy with that top 1000 you’ve done me a favour there 30,000,000 footballers I’m brilliant then cheers pal  

@RobbieSavage8 Its not worth retweeting my followers comments. they are saying who is Robbie savage, Say no more speaks a thousand words about 9 hours ago via web in reply to RobbieSavage8

@RobbieSavage8 ur as classy as ur Armani tattoo, im off to practice now, u will be off in ur new car check it out. http://twitpic.com/2yhazb about 9 hours ago via TwitExport

@RobbieSavage8 i just found a picture of your house, You cant hide your class. http://twitpic.com/2yhd6p about 9 hours ago via TwitExport

Etc etc etc…….