I FELT that Serena Williams was totally out of order when she shouted and bellowed at the umpire when she lost her match in the final of the US Open against Naomi Osaka.

I know tennis is not a team game and an individual has decisions to make but I am sure lots of sports would like to have the total discipline towards the referee that rugby union has.

I played union for some 32 seasons representing Durham City in all of their six senior sides until I retired aged 52.

In those years I was required to referee a game twice and it was one of the most difficult things I have ever done but 30 lads got a game because I did it.

We must have total respect for our umpires, referees and any sports adjudicators. I cannot believe that sledging seems to now be common place at cricket and umpires allow it.

Rugby refs are mostly former players who do not get paid and ref to still be part of a great sport. Serena needs a big helping of respect for her umpires.

Malcolm Rolling, Carrville, Durham