Europe backs Harrington, McIlroy after Ryder Cup disaster

A GUTTED European squad backed captain Padraig Harrington and slump-ridden star Rory McIlroy on Sunday after taking the most lopsided beating in the Ryder Cup's modern era from the US.

The Americans' 19-9 triumph at Whistling Straits was the largest margin of victory since the US v Europe format was adopted in 1979, the Europeans never winning a session in taking an emotional defeat.

“I've only lost one other one and it's dismal,” Europe talisman Ian Poulter said. “We've got a great team this week, and we were outplayed. Every session was difficult.

“They did their job and they made it painful for us today and this one's going to hurt for a bit. But you know what? It's things like that this make you stronger going forward.”

Harrington found reasons for hope in the nightmare.

“The were some good moments, just not enough of them,” he said. “Nobody didn't give their heart and soul to this team. They gave it 100%. That's all you can ask from the players.

“If you want to have these glorious moments, you've got to put your head out there, and sometimes it doesn't go right. You get your head knocked off.”

England's Poulter, 45, beat Tony Finau 3&2 to remain unbeaten in Ryder Cup singles and supported Harrington.

“Padraig is going to be questioned over this, and that's not fair,” Poulter said. “He did a hell

of a job.”