A female Fox news anchor has admitted live on air that she "can't stand" world number one golfer Rory McIlroy, who is in danger of missing The Open due to an ankle injury.

The Northern Irishman announced on Monday that he ruptured his ankle ligaments while playing football, just 10 days before the Major tournament.

While running the story on air, one Fox news reporter could be heard saying off camera: "He's a leprechaun, I can't stand him."

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Roche claimed yesterday that McIlroy could be sidelined for three months.