Reds coach Eddie Jones is facing suspension and a $10,000 fine from the Australian Rugby Union for castigating Sydney referee Matt Goddard after Saturday night's loss to ACT in Brisbane.

Jones made a scathing attack on Goddard's performance on television, radio and at the official media conference, where he even taunted the ARU into fining him over his comments.

The ARU this morning is expected to charge Jones with breaches of the union's code of conduct.

Jones began his attack on Goddard by saying: "How much is the fine? I'll have to check with my accountant … Whatever you have to pay, I'll pay twice. I thought it [the refereeing] was outrageous."

Jones's comments have also antagonised ARU officials. Jones's relationship with the ARU is fractious after being sacked as Wallabies coach at the end of 2005.

Gary Flowers, the ARU Chief Executive, also the SANZAR chief executive officer, said yesterday the ARU and SANZAR, which runs the Super 14, frowned upon coaches targeting referees.

"The SANZAR countries stressed before the Super 14 … started this year that there would be zero tolerance of adverse public comments of referees," Flowers said.

ACT coach Laurie Fisher wasn't also entirely impressed with the refereeing performance, particularly during a scuffle in the first half.

"I saw [Queensland centre] Ben Tune throw a lot of punches and escape scot-free," Fisher said. "So I'm a little perplexed that a person can throw so many punches and not be spoken to by the referee at all."