Nigel Owens is considered one of the best referees in rugby for his consistently high level of performance in big games.
The Welshman refereed the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia in 2015.
One key aspect of rugby’s success is the TMO, which inspired the Premier League’s use of VAR.
In a Premier League season marred by VAR making debatable calls too often, Jose Mourinho said last night he fears for the future of football if the system is not addressed.
"I can only say that normally I'm a professional guy on the bench in these moments, I never complain at the guy with the whistle because it's not the referee any more," Mourinho said.
"This is the start of everything. I think the referee should always be the man on the pitch and the people in the office should just support and assist."
And Owens back up the Spurs boss, saying: " It will be a sad day for all sports if this ever becomes the case or the norm.
"The on field match officials has to have the final say always."
LIST | 5 of Nigel Owens most BRUTAL comebacks
We've collected some of the best comebacks from popular Welsh referee Nigel Owens down the years...
1. “This is not soccer”
First we begin with what is probably Owens’ most famous quote. It has become a world-wide favourite for rugby fans. As everyone knows, scrum-halves are renowned for their complaining and whining, and referees seem to tolerate it.However in 2012, Owens was the whistle-blower in a RaboDirect PRO12 match between Munster and Bennetton Treviso when Treviso scrum-half Tobias Botes began complaining that the Munster captain Paul O’Connell wasn’t releasing at the ruck. Nigel calls him over… and after a long lecture… ends with “This is not soccer”. Class.
2. “I’m straighter than that one”
Owens is openly gay and campaigns against bullying, but that does mean he’s above being self-deprecating.
During a dodgy Harlequins line-out he told the hooker, in a roundabout way, he best get his throws together.
"Is this why you're not starting the game?" Owens said to them.
During the Pro 12 clash between Scarletts and Cardiff Blues in 2017, the Welshman had a swipe at the substitutes. The six new front row players were jostling in the scrum and the referee had to intervene. Intervening apparently wasn't enough though.
4.
In a rude post a disgruntled rugby fan called out the referee, who responded in brutal fashion to put the supporter in his place.
And Owens received lots of support from twitter followers, who applauded him for his swift retribution.
5. “Dive like that again, you can come back here in two weeks and play, not today.”
With the action into the second half at Newcastle in 2015, Owens told Scottish full-back Hogg off for diving during the clash leaving him in doubts as to his decision.
