That is according to MMA expert Nick Peet.

McGregor, who is no stranger to controversy, leapt into the cage after his friend Charlie Ward's knockout win over John Redmond.

Referee Marc Goddard told the Irishman to leave the octagon and McGregor reacted furiously, pushing the official and hurling abuse.

McGregor apologised for his actions but not to Goddard, saying: “I sincerely apologize for my behaviour at last weekend's fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line.

“As a multiple weight champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard.”

But Peet believes McGregor’s behaviour deserved a greater punishment.

He told BBC Radio Five Live’s MMA podcast: “Let's call this what it was. This was a guy, a spectator out of the crowd.

“It doesn’t matter who he is. Let's take away the fact he is Conor McGregor. This guy is a spectator out from the crowd who has leapt into the cage, who has attacked the referee, who has attacked the fighter you could say as well.

“Then he gets dragged out and climbs back in again. He slaps an official. This has got nothing to do with how Bellator should treat him or even the UFC.

“The UFC hasn't made a statement yet, we are waiting to see what the UFC are going to do about it.

“But when it comes to the crunch, he was a spectator. He climbed inside the octagon, he attacked an official.

“For me he should have been arrested on the spot and taken to jail.

“Is this what Conor is now, bigger than the law?”