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”.