Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley today criticised Seve Ballesteros for his weekend outburst about the European tour.
Ballesteros launched an astonishing attack after being penalised for slow play during the Italian Open and then being disqualified for refusing to accept it.
"It's disappointing to see dirty laundry washed in public," said McGinley today on the eve of the Benson and Hedges International Open at The Belfry.
"Seve's entitled to his opinion, but I think it should be a meeting between him and the Mafia."
That was a tongue-in-cheek reference to Ballesteros's comment that the tour were acting in a way "nearly like a Mafia" and were out to get him.
"I certainly don't consider them the Mafia," added McGinley. "It does not do the tour any good, Seve any good or Ken (tour executive director Ken Schofield) any good. And I think Ken's done the right thing by not making a public response."
The Dubliner said he was unsure whether Ballesteros' comments warranted a fine, but the issue is likely to be raised at next week's meeting of the players' committee in Germany.
McGinley would certainly like to see the issue of slow play addressed.
"It's way out of hand," he stated. "Every round took five hours in Tenerife two weeks ago and it's ridiculous and disappointing.
"It's something that has not been addressed properly. We're given four-and-a-half hours and when it takes longer than that then it's obvious that somebody has broken the rules.
"It's very rare that somebody gets penalised and I would like to see it happen more often. Players have to take more of a responsibility and quicken up when they fall behind.
"We're setting a bad example to kids coming through. Amateur events, I gather, are taking longer and we should be setting an example.
"It was refreshing to see the snooker at the weekend and how quickly they were playing, especially Mark Williams."
Ballesteros is also in action this week, but was not looking to expand on his remarks this morning.
"I think I said what I wanted to say," said the Spanish star, although he did then mention the possibility again that he could decide to go and play in America more.
"Better climate," he commented without explaining whether he meant meteorological or political.