With Rassie Erasmus' World Rugby hearing concluding on Sunday, former international referee Andre Watson believes that officials must be able to take criticism should their performance warrant it.
Erasmus will have to answer to rugby's governing body regarding his hour-long video in which he highlighted mistakes made by referee Nic Berry in the Springboks' 22-17 first Test loss to the British & Irish Lions in July.
According to Rapport, Watson believes that international referees have to take responsibility for their actions when overseeing international matches.
"My feeling has always been, and still is, that if referees want to blow at that level, they have to take responsibility for their actions," Watson said.
"Along with the recognition, money and benefits also comes criticism and it does not make sense to me that recognition and praise are accepted by referees and their bosses, but not criticism.
"Or at least not in public. It comes with the territory. I feel the referees are too sensitive about this," he added.
Watson believes that acceptance of criticism, where it is due, will help the game of rugby overall.
"My opinion is that rugby can only improve and the supporters, coaches, players and officials will better understand referees’ performances and will accept referees more if there is more transparency.
"The open and honest communication between referee and coach is very important," he said.
Watson was in charge of two World Cup finals during his career - Australia against France in 1999 and England against Australia in 2003.
He was also in charge of seven Currie Cup finals as well as five Super Rugby finals.
