Referee Luke Pearce had clearly heard enough from Louis Rees-Zammit during Bristol Bears' 22-16 defeat to Leicester Tigers on Friday night.

The Wales international found himself on the receiving end of a stern telling-off after questioning a decision late in the Premiership clash.

With Bristol Bears chasing the game and tensions rising at Ashton Gate, Rees-Zammit approached Pearce following a scuffle between the two teams.

The experienced official wasn't having any of it.

"I suggest you go away now," Pearce told the winger, with his comments picked up by the TNT Sports microphones.

"I suggest you go away now."

Pearce then turned to another Bristol player and made his feelings about Rees-Zammit perfectly clear.

"I'll happily talk to you, but this guy is being absolutely rude. Away."

Rees-Zammit appeared to mutter something as he walked away, bringing an end to a rather uncomfortable exchange.

WATCH: Luke Pearce puts Rees-Zammit in his place

The exchange was captured by TNT Sports, with Pearce's microphone picking up every word.

From hero to frustration

It was quite the contrast to how Rees-Zammit's evening had started.

The former NFL hopeful had given Bristol a dream start, scoring a brilliant solo try after just six minutes.

Picking up possession around 35 metres out, the Welsh speedster skipped past two defenders before racing under the posts.

It was his fifth try of the Premiership season and another reminder of his attacking quality.

The winger has certainly been making headlines since returning to rugby, having previously mocked Henry Pollock's trademark celebration during Bristol's victory over Northampton.

However, Leicester fought back through Freddie Steward, Adam Radwan, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Jamie Blamire.

Two Bristol yellow cards also proved costly, with the visitors eventually securing a 22-16 victory to move top of the Premiership table.

The official match statistics showed just how costly those disciplinary setbacks proved for the home side.

Was Luke Pearce right?

There's something refreshing about a referee who doesn't feel the need to turn every disagreement into a lengthy debate.

Pearce gave Rees-Zammit a chance to walk away, repeated his instruction and then made it clear he wasn't interested in discussing the decision with him.

Some will argue the Welshman was simply showing frustration during a tense finish.

Others will feel Pearce was absolutely right to remind him who's in charge.

Rugby prides itself on the respect players show officials. But anyone who watches the modern game knows that relationship isn't always as rosy as we'd like to believe.

And while Rees-Zammit's frustration was understandable, Pearce certainly wasn't going to let him have the final word.

Should referees be tougher on players who question their decisions, or was Pearce too harsh on Rees-Zammit?