RORY MCILROY and Patrick Reed sent social media into a frenzy over claims they clashed in the build-up to this week’s Hero Desert Classic in Dubai.

Reed was reported to have thrown a tee peg at McIlroy for ignoring him on the practice range.

That came after the American aimed sarcastic salutes at the world No1 and his caddie, Harry Diamond.

Former Masters champion Reed, 32, is one of the biggest stars on the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Tour.

McIlroy, meanwhile, is one of the most outspoken critics of the breakaway circuit after rejecting their desperate advances.

Reed is still able to play DP World Tour events while an arbitration case rumbles on to decide if the money-grabbing rebels can be banned.

It is understood the motion to Diamond went without drama.

But it was when Reed walked over to say hello to McIlroy, who was sat on his haunches, that things kicked off.

The Northern Irishman, 33, refused to even turn his head to look at Reed.

The unpopular Yank stood next to his rival for a few seconds but got no response and eventually decided to walk off… but only after delving into his pocket and petulantly launching the tee.

It is not the first time tensions have boiled over between LIV defectors and DP World Tour Players.

At the BMW International, one anonymous player revealed to The Telegraph: “The news (of the ban) came out during last week’s BMW International.

“Sergio Garcia flew off the handle, shouting, ‘This tour is s***, you’re all f***ed, should have taken the Saudi money.”

LIV has accused the PGA and its supporters of a number of “antitrust violations”, claiming the game’s rulers have illegally attempted to kill its chances of success and demanding a huge compensation payment.

As a result, LIV lead lawyer Larry Klayman threw more oil on the fire with the announcement that legal action has started against Tiger Woods, McIlroy and former US Ryder Cup skipper Davis Love III.

Neither Reed nor McIlroy could be contacted to confirm the alleged bust-up.