The former England star was unhappy with Maybank after the Falcons lost 22-19 at home to Gloucester on Sunday.

Andrews took issue with Gloucester's match-winning penalty, suggesting it should in fact have gone the other way, and said he intended to review all of Maybank's decisions on video.

But RFU performance director Chris Spice told the Guardian newspaper that new rules were in place for managers to complain directly to rugby's elite referees department.

He said: "Referees are accountable. We have put the machinery in place for directors of rugby to make known their views about the performances of officials.

"If Rob Andrew or anyone else submits a complaint it will be looked at immediately and action will be taken if it is warranted."

Last season the then Bristol rugby director Dean Ryan and Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler were fined following comments made about referees in the media.

And Premier Rugby, the organisation that represents English clubs, agreed with the RFU that managers should complain through the proper channels.

"It is very difficult for directors of rugby when they are asked to comment on incidents 20 minutes before the end of the match," said Premier Rugby chief executive Howard Thomas.

"There are internal channels for them to go through regarding referees and it is always better for them to watch a tape of a match before making comments.

"Rob was controlled in what he said after the Gloucester game and the point he made about the final penalty was valid.

"He was concerned that his player was blown up for holding on to the ball, but the directive this season is that referees will first look to ensure that the tackler has rolled out of the way and is not preventing the release of the ball."