Nigel Owens leads the charge as rugby's Twitterati condemn Ronaldo antics

Nigel Owens was among a number of rugby personalities to rail against the brattish behaviour of football ace Ronaldo, after the Portuguese superstar verbally assaulted the referee as his side was dumped out of the Football World Cup in Russia.

Portugal lost to Uruguay and will take no further part in the tournament.

However, it was the behaviour of Ronaldo that incensed the rugby world. The striker confronted the referee and is thought to have screamed '**** you' into his face after he disagreed with a particular decision.

The behaviour was roundly condemned by various rugby personalities, lead by outspoken ref Nigel Owens. Former England international Will Greenwood tweeted: "How is this remotely acceptable...? How? How? None of us are saints but if this isn’t a straight Red what is???????"

Continue reading below...

Owens clarified that if he would have given the millionaire soccer king a straight a red card.

Ugo Monye joined the fray, adding his two pence.

Some pointed out that with eye gouging and 'Blood Gate', rugby's moral high ground was was not exactly sure-footed.