WATCH: Referee (respectfully) puts Bongi Mbonambi in his place

In a game of sport, apart from the players, the referee can be judged harshly.

When it comes to rugby, the sport Mzansi is best at, fans criticise like they ARE the ref for the game - and this was no different when the Lions took on the Sharks at the United Rugby Championship's on Saturday, 2 March. 

A referee praised for the right reasons...

Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has been praised for the way she reprimanded Mbonambi after she made a "foul play" call favouring the opposition during the game. 

Barrett de-escalated the situation instead of escalating it... 

Watch the video below posted by journalist Julian Jansen on Facebook.

The Springboks' hooker was evidently unhappy about the call - the situation could have escalated, but Barrett-Theron calmed the situation down and gained the respect of the world champ too.

Barrett-Theron asked the Sharks skipper: “Bongi, can you walk with me please, this way?”

Before going on to say, “Bongi, may I speak please? Listen, I fully respect you and who you are, and I am well aware that all of your players have probably played more games than I have refereed in the URC. But we are on the same field so if you could show me the same respect that I show you, that would be very much appreciated.”

Mbonambi then seemingly changed his demeanor and asked Barrett-Theron for clarity on her call: “They are just looking to me for answers, so was it foul play?” 

Barrett-Theron responded, “Yes, that was foul play.”

And then it was over - no drama needed!