Louis Rees-Zammit scored a stunning solo try but was branded "absolutely rude" by referee Luke Pearce as Bristol Bears fell 22-16 to Leicester Tigers in the Premiership

Louis Rees-Zammit produced a spectacular try for Bristol Bears in their clash with Leicester Tigers, but the evening concluded with the referee describing him as "rude" and declining to engage with him.

The Welsh winger registered a stunning score within the first 10 minutes of the Guinness Premiership fixture, accelerating from a stationary position to navigate through several defenders and leave would-be tacklers trailing before touching down between the posts.

His effort prompted TNT Sports commentator Nick Mullins to describe him as "breathtaking and " and "box-office", yet referee Luke Pearce would end the contest with rather different words for the player.

The confrontation occurred following an altercation involving players from both sides which resulted in a penalty against Bristol, with the Welshman apparently questioning Pearce about what he believed was an advantage the official had indicated during an earlier passage of play.

Pearce grew impatient and showed his irritation as Rees-Zammit pressed his point, reports Wales Online.

"I suggest you go away now," Pearce stated. "I suggest you go away now.

"I'll happily talk to you," he continued, addressing Bristol's captain, "but this guy is being absolutely rude. Away."

Rees-Zammit could be heard expressing his own displeasure as he withdrew in the 79th minute.

Leicester claiming an important 22-16 victory on the road that positions them at the summit of the table, while Bristol sit in third place ahead of Saturday's fixtures.

As for Bristol, head coach Pat Lam lamented the loss of two players to the sin-bin as his side managed to cross for just a single try.

He said: "We conceded two tries in the sin-bin period and that ultimately was pretty crucial.

"Zam (Louis Rees Zammit) scored a great try and our defence was amazing, but we couldn't build any pressure throughout the game.

"We lost too many line-outs which stopped us from getting any attacking platforms so we did well to hang in there right until the end to get a bonus point."

Bristol prop Ellis Genge said: "I'm upset with the loss and it's tough to take, especially the manner in which we lost.

"It was tough with two yellows but we could have ground our way out, but they stuck to their guns and out-muscled us which is disappointing."