NICK CAIN

THERE was a recent commentary that referees are over-protected and should not be immune from criticism, particularly by pro players. It argued that this originates from the outmoded acceptance by generations of players, both amateur and pro, that the referee is always right – even when he is wrong.
This over-protection argument is wrong on every count. I cannot recall a time in the last 40 years when referees have been immune from criticism by the rugby media, administrators, coaches, players, or fellow referees.
If they make mistakes they are held accountable not only by the abov...