Patrick Reed has said that he hopes US supporters "don't annihilate" Danny Willett after derogatory comments made by his brother in a magazine article.
The 2016 Masters champion has been forced to apologise after sibling Peter described Stateside fans as a "baying mob of imbeciles" in a column for National Club Golfer, and the remarks are likely to lead to a frosty reception for Willett during the highly-anticipated event at Hazeltine.
However, with Willett making his debut for Europa, Reed has called for leniency less than 24 hours before the action gets underway in Minnesota.
The 26-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "This is his first Ryder Cup and I know the last Ryder Cup was my first and it's such a special and awesome moment, so to have something distract you from enjoying your first moment is unfortunate.
"I heard the other day that his family was embarrassed; that they were thinking about flying home and that's something that just can't happen. I'm hoping the fans can put it aside and allow the rookies, not only on our side but their side, to enjoy it and allow Danny to enjoy the week.
"It's one of these things that it hasn't affected us in any way. I hope for the best for Danny and his family and hope they actually enjoy the week and that our fans don't just completely annihilate them."
Willett is one of six rookies who have been named in Darren Clarke's team.
