The European Tour threw its weight behind Colin Montgomerie yesterday after the former European No1 had come under attack from Sandy Lyle for the way in which he had been selected as Europe Ryder Cup captain.

Lyle had expressed dismay that his fellow Scot had been chosen ahead of him for the 2010 match at Celtic Manor in light of his claim that Montgomerie had effectively been caught cheating at the Indonesia Open in 2005, when he was seen to move his ball into a better position after a break for bad weather.

On Tuesday Lyle sought to apologise for his outburst but threw more oil on the fire by repeating his claims. “It will probably live with him for the rest of his life,” he said. “TV doesn't lie.”

A statement from George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, will have left Lyle in little doubt where he stands in its eyes. “The tournament committee debated the Jakarta situation extensively and made a full statement at that time,” he said. “The same committee, at their meeting at the Dubai Desert Classic earlier this year, elected Colin Montgomerie as the 2010 Ryder Cup captain and persuaded him to take the job.

“The decision was greeted in Dubai with great acclaim by the tour members, who felt the committee had chosen absolutely the right man for the job in Wales.

“The tour fully understands Sandy Lyle's disappointment at not being elected captain but deeply regrets his comments, which are considered wholly inappropriate and ill timed.”

While Lyle was lying low yesterday, Montgomerie was putting on a brave face. He went out for a practice round with two of his former Ryder Cup team-mates, David Howell and Paul McGinley, but not before making a short statement of his own.

“I've had time to digest it and I've decided to say nothing,” he said. “I don't think his comments warrant comment. I've come here to play golf and have been hit with this. Just because he is disappointed not to be made captain, please don't take it out on me.”