Justin Thomas poured fuel on the fire early on in Sunday's Ryder Cup singles matches, by doffing an imaginary cap to European fans as tensions flared in Rome.<br /><br />Thomas, a contentious captain's pick, rolled in a brilliant birdie putt to tie the fourth hole in his match against Sepp Straka.<br /><br />The American then tipped his 'hat' to European fans, who booed him as he left the green. Thomas responded by cupping his ear.<br /><br />He was among the USA players who had chosen to go without a cap on Sunday.<br /><br />It comes after Rory McIlroy refused to acknowledge the 'cheating caddie' who sparked a major row at the Ryder Cup on Saturday after standing in his eyeline waving his cap ahead of a crucial putt as he headed out onto the green today.<br /><br />The final day of the tournament sees the US team embroiled in a scandal amid cheating allegations after the row - which continued into the club's car park late last night - and an incident in which Thomas appeared to 'kick' his ball.<br /><br />Footage seemed to show the former world No 1 kicking his ball while stuck in the rough during the sixth hole of Saturday's fourballs.<br /><br />The dispute involving McIlroy centered around Patrick Cantlay's caddie LaCava - who has 36 years of caddying experience - and an exuberant celebration which saw him refuse to move out the way for some time, before launching into an angry tirade at the opposition player.<br /><br />US players turned European fans' taunting over Cantlay not wearing a hat into their own celebration. <br /><br />Reports suggest the world No 5 has not been wearing a cap in protest at players not being paid to play in the tournament.<br /><br />In searing sunshine at Rome's Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Cantlay and three other USA stars have decided against donning caps.<br /><br />Thomas opted not to wear one before appearing to play on the drama surrounding McIlroy and Cantlay's caddie by tipping an imaginary hat.<br /><br />Xander Schauffele - who Sky Sports claim is sitting with Cantlay in a separate area of the American locker room amid a split in the camp - and Colin Marakawa were also not wearing caps on Sunday.<br /><br />The United States have refused to comment on whether Cantlay's move is a protest towards players not being paid at the Ryder Cup or not.<br /><br />But the Californian, who also chose not to wear a cap at the last tournament in 2021, denied the reports following Saturday's fourballs.<br /><br />'The hat doesn’t fit,' Cantlay said. 'It didn’t fit at Whistling Straits, and didn’t fit this week. Everyone knows that.'<br /><br />#RyderCup
