FORMER rugby star Kenny Logan has launched a stinging attack on the referee who oversaw Scotland's agonising defeat in the Rugby World Cup.

The ex-Scotland winger said Craig Joubert should not referee at World Cup level again after awarding Australia a controversial late penalty in the final minute of the match, securing them a one-point victory.

Mr Logan joined thousands of supporters who reacted with a mixture of anger, disappointment and immense pride following Sunday's game at Twickenham, which at one point looked as if it might just go Scotland's way.

He and thousands of others also questioned why Joubert did not consult the TMO (Television Match Official) before making such a crucial decision.

Speaking just after the match, Mr Logan said: "I hate doing this, but actually the referee had a shocker.

"The performance from the Scotland team was different class, but the referee at the end, it was never a penalty, it was a knock on, and at the end of the game he ran down the tunnel like a scared rabbit because he knew it was a reckless decision.

"For me he's ruined a perfect game of rugby because of his inept attitude to using the TMO.

"I'm absolutely devastated for the boys. Scotland you've done us all proud, you've actually done rugby proud for how well you've played.

"That referee shouldn't referee at this level again because he's not good enough. He's proved it in many world cups and today is another one."

Scotland's last win at Twickenham was 32 years ago but the team produced one of the nation's finest displays on Sunday and came agonisingly close to reaching the last four in the World Cup for the first time since 1991.

The defeat means there will now be no teams from the northern hemisphere going forward in the tournament.

Many supporters took to social media to vent their frustration and heartbreak, with one word being repeated again and again - gutted.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Incredible performance by @Scotlandteam. So so disappointed for them but they have done Scotland proud #AsOne."

While Alex Salmond wrote: "@Scotlandteam you have done your country more than proud. Congratulations on a fantastic tournament."

Author J.K. Rowling also posted that she was in tears following the match and tweeted: "Should've been ours. @Scotlandteam unbelievable."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale added that the result was "devastating".

However, comedian Sanjeev Kohli ?came up with a solution to Scotland's sporting woes, tweeting: "New rule: Scotland don't need to play the last two minutes of any international sporting event."

The Scotland team thanked supporters, who gave the team a standing ovations following match, tweeting: "Your support has been absolutely outstanding throughout our RWC journey. From all at Scotland, thank you! #AsOne."

Had Scotland won the match, bookmakers across the country would have taken a beating as the odds on a Scotland win were stacked at 15/2, compared to Australia's 1/10.

The Wallabies are also set to become favourites to win the tournament.