Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 01:56 AM
Keen golfer Fabio Capello joined the muddy masses at Celtic Manor on Friday to lend his support to Europe's Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie.
The England manager had hoped to watch fellow Italians Edoardo and Francesco Molinari make their debuts in golf's blue riband team event but ended up following Arsenal fan Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher against Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker.
Hovering beside the fifth tee when play finally resumed after a seven-hour rain suspension, Capello called out to Montgomerie, offered a thumbs up, and then shook the Scot by the hand wishing him "good luck".
"I think it's a little the same, more like football the Ryder Cup with the team more important," Capello told Reuters before cheering as Poulter speared a tee-shot down the middle of the fairway.
"This passion here is fantastic. It's very different situation for golf, with everybody shouting for Europe, for the team. It's like a football atmosphere."
Asked if he had any advice for Montgomerie, Capello said he was sure the Scot had everything under control.
"I like to shoot some golf balls," said Capello, who plays regularly and is reportedly a single-handicapper.
"But I'm just a fan here. I'm sure Colin Montgomerie knows exactly what to do with his players. He's doing a great job."
"I'm enjoying being here at my first Ryder Cup," added the 64-year-old who was with his wife Laura. "I'm very happy that the Molinari brothers are playing and a shame that they did not get to play today but I wished them good luck."
Capello was helped underneath the ropes by course marshalls and marched off to follow the Poulter match down the sixth fairway, but not before he was heckled over England's poor performance at the World Cup finals.
"You should have made (David) Beckham captain Fabio," shouted one fan in a heavy Welsh accent, while another said he hoped his golf was "better than his football."
"Make Poulter captain" offered another fan, which at least drew a grim from the former Milan and Real Madrid coach.
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