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The former Super League referee Ian Smith says he often felt "lonely and isolated" when he took charge of big matches and admits to hitting rock bottom after leaving the game, saying the constant criticism of the man in the middle can have a lasting effect on mental health.

"The external pressures that referees and match officials are put under, from all stakeholders - from owners, to players to coaches, to fans - I think what people don't understand is that inside that uniform there is a human being that does make mistakes," Smith told the Â鶹Éç 5 Live Rugby League podcast.

"They think it's unacceptable for a match official to make mistakes. That pressure that's placed on them can have a mental health impact."

This clip is originally from the 5 live Rugby League Podcast, Monday 12th June 2017.