By Mark Orlovac

The European team show off the Ryder Cup before leaving Heathrow

Former European Ryder Cup captain Mark James fears this year's event could see a repeat of the scenes that marred the 1999 match in America.

That year's contest was soured by crowd heckling as well as over-enthusiastic celebrations from the American team.

"I don't think lessons have been learnt and I have worries," he told BBC Sport.

"If Europe starts winning in America then the crowd will want to help their team overcome any deficit in any way they can manage to pull it off."

James made his plea as the European team jetted off from Heathrow on Monday for the eagerly-awaited clash at Oakland Hills near Detroit.

But despite his concerns, tournament director Andy Odenbach said increased security has been introduced for the 2004 contest, which starts on Friday.

"Marshals will identify those that may have crossed the line and then paid security, in addition to the police and FBI, will handle the situation," he said.

Full story: Zero tolerance for louts

The atmosphere at Brookline in 1999 was one of the most intense seen at a Ryder Cup as America came from 10-6 behind to claim an incredible 14�-13� victory.

The focus of European anger came on the final day when Justin Leonard sunk his now infamous 45ft birdie putt in his match against Jose Maria Olazabal.

The putt sparked wild celebrations as the American team raced onto the 17th green with Olazabal still facing a 25ft putt to save the match.

It gets to a point where it gets so bad the players are affected and that's what happened in 1999 Mark James Timeline: Ryder Cup flashpoints

The players were as pumped up as the home fans, who were vociferous in their support for the American team.

However many felt their behaviour went overboard, with Colin Montgomerie singled out by the galleries.

"Certainly a lot of measures were taken at The Belfry in 2002," added James.

"There were more marshals in the crowd monitoring behaviour and anyone who did misbehave was ejected from the grounds and not just given a telling off.

"Hopefully a similar thing will take place this year.

"It can be difficult as a European team member in the United States. It certainly was difficult in 1999 because the crowd behaviour reached a point where it got ridiculously bad."

The seven-time Ryder Cup veteran also played in the 1991 contest at Kiawah Island which saw similar problems to Brookline.

Thomas Levet is getting his caddie to shout abuse at him in the midst of his back swing to prepare himself for the American galleries From Mark, Scotland Join the debate

"It wasn't great in 1991 either but I personally didn't notice any of it," said James.

"I was busy playing and it wafted over my head, but I have heard tales it was fairly poor there.

"It gets to a point where it gets so bad the players are affected and that's what happened in 1999."