Both European and American Ryder Cup stars have been told they are banned from tweeting during the tournament

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Europe and United States Ryder Cup players have been banned from using social networking websites, in particular Twitter, during this weekend’s tournament at Celtic Manor.

The ban was confirmed by both European captain Colin Montgomerie and his American counterpart Corey Pavin (who is himself a tweeter) with Monty claiming:

"Tweeting and social network sites can get one into trouble,"

The European players currently active on twitter are Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Francesco Molinari and US Open winner Graeme McDowell, who recently uploaded pictures of himself on his private jet on the way to Celtic Manor.

American players  who will have to refrain from posting their thoughts over the weekend include Stewart Cink, Rickie Fowler, Zach Johnson, Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson.

"The team has come to a consensus not to do it," said American captain Pavin.

"It can be a little bit distracting sometimes, and I think it is important to focus on the Ryder Cup and playing in the matches.

"We've decided to not tweet this week, but a week today I am sure tweeting will be all over the place."

Footballers Darren Bent and Jozt Altidore have got themselves in trouble over personal tweets, while swimmer Stephanie Rice lost a sponsorship deal over a comment posted on the site.

More recently England cricketer Kevin Pietersen was fined over an ill-advised rant and Montgomerie added:

"Pietersen's error led me to change my view on players tweeting."