RUGBY REFEREE NIGEL Owens says there is a big difference between taking charge of games in his sport and soccer, and claims he would “love” to officiate the latter.

Owens, who is set to feature at the upcoming Rugby World Cup, claims the behaviour of soccer coaches in particular is unacceptable.

“If you had coaches in rugby having a go at referees like Jose Mourinho and some others do, they’d be dealt with more firmly,” he told the Radio Times.

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Asked how he’d handle football players, Owens added: “I’m afraid they’d be down to five-a-side before half-time.”

Owens previously officiated at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, while he has also taken charge of three Heineken Cup finals.

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