Paul McGinley backs Sergio Garcia after 'fried chicken' remark

European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has backed Sergio Garcia following his "fried chicken" remark about Tiger Woods.

But McGinley does fear the comment, which Woods called "wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate", will motivate Woods ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup.

"I think there's a personality clash and they don't particularly like each other's company," McGinley told Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme.

"For me, it's no big deal."

Spaniard Garcia, 33, had joked he would invite Woods for dinner to settle their recent argument and serve fried chicken.

Fried chicken is stereotypically associated with black people in the American deep south.

Woods called Garcia's remark "wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate".

After competing in the PGA Championship at Wentworth, Garcia said he had attempted to contact Woods to apologise again but was told to wait until next month's US Open.

"We talked to his manager. We asked him if he wanted us to call Tiger, obviously if he gives us the number, or wait for Merion and do it there face-to-face, and they said they would rather do it there," he said.

"So there's nothing else we can do, so we'll wait until we get there and we'll talk."

Garcia has represented Europe at six Ryder Cups, with the next event taking place at Gleneagles in September 2014.

Asked if he would have to consider leaving him out if the event was next month, McGinley added: "I don't think so.

"I'd have to weigh up all the options and seek counsel.

"I was there when Sergio made the comment. He apologised for it and, as far as I'm concerned, we move on.

"People make mistakes and say things all the time that they regret and didn't mean. Sergio was very remorseful about it and we move on."

McGinley does believe Garcia's remark will fire up Woods ahead of the next Ryder Cup.

"Woods is a guy who, when he finds himself under pressure, always performs much better," he added.