Footy legend Tim Watson has slammed Nathan Vardy for his taunting of Max Gawn, saying the West Coast ruckman would be “embarrassed” by his actions last weekend.

Vardy drew criticism for slapping Gawn on the back as he lay on the ground following Liam Ryan’s spectacular mark over the Melbourne ruckman in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ win.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson admitted Vardy’s act was “not a great look”, while the Demons ruckman revealed in a Herald Sun column that he had not had any verbal banter with Vardy in the lead-up to provoke the response.

Speaking on Seven’s Talking Footy last night, Watson said he didn’t want to see the ‘rubbing it in’ action as a part of the game.

“That taunting is one of the ugliest things you see on the ground, isn’t it?” Watson said.

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“Some things happen in the heat of the moment.

“But I think he’d be embarrassed by that.”

Camera Icon Nathan Vardy has been criticised for his taunting of Max Gawn. Credit: AAPIMAGE

Fellow panellist Wayne Carey agreed.

“I didn’t like it,” he said.

“I think Nath would have been better served to go back and give his team some better service and take Max on in that area, rather than when he’s (lying) on the ground.

“It’s not very sportsmanlike.”

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