Boo Weekley, who sickeningly stated that he enjoyed the Ryder Cup more than shooting deer, constantly roused the crowd into such a frenzy that they booed every time he played a good shot, in keeping with his name.

Consequently, Weekley would respond by waving his arms about or pretend to ride an imaginary racehorse in an attempt to increase the cheering and celebration by the crowd, even though his European opponent would be trying to line up his next shot.

Paul Azinger, the American captain, who would make anyone want to turn the TV off, encouraged the US fans to cheer when the visiting players missed putts in a pep talk at a function last Thursday evening.

Add this to the fact that Lee Westwood received distasteful comments from the sidelines all weekend and the whole thing became irritating and offensive.

The crowd overstepped the mark in the ultimate gentlemen's sport.

It led me to think about the different audiences I come across in different countries.

The crowds in Egypt, where squash is a national sport, are partisan, overwhelming and near threatening.

Winning a point against an Egyptian player will be greeted with very little reaction.

English crowds are quiet, knowledgeable and appreciative on the other hand, but I always feel the English squash crowd could get behind their player more – in most other countries they will not hesitate to do so.

American audiences are different again. Loud and boisterous, they will get involved in the match, take sides, shout, cheer and applaud in a good way, creating a brilliant atmosphere – much more desirable than the atmosphere at the Ryder Cup.

American fans are in your face and are not afraid to come up and talk, which is no criticism. They are sometimes happy to offer their opinions on squash, which are mostly worth very little.

A US squash fan approached Jonathan Power, a legendary Canadian player after one of his matches in Chicago, to tell him, in all seriousness, that his forehand swing needed improving. It is unprintable what Jonathan said next.

Crowds are very important in making a sporting occasion and there are so many different crowds all over the world, in all different sports, which makes interesting experiences for all of the travelling athletes.

A good thought to finish, even though it recalls the Saints versus Leeds encounter on Friday: Nick Fozzard, playing his last match for the Saints, walked around the pitch at the end of the game to acknowledge the fans who have been so supportive of him, even shaking some of their hands.

This is not seen often in sport and was a fitting gesture by a player simply saying thanks.

Ends