Australian legend Tim Horan believes England captain Martin Johnson has tarnished his reputation after punching Saracens hooker Robbie Russell.

Horan feels that as the figurehead of English rugby, Johnson needs to know when to keep a cool head in the heat of battle.

"Martin is a very committed player, a great competitor and a very well-respected captain among the players," he told The Mirror.

Johnson may face a disrepute charge after punching Russell during a scrap for the ball in Leicester's 48-7 victory over Saracens, leaving Russell requiring six stitches to a facial wound.

"But behaviour like that has the potential to tarnish his reputation. As England captain he has a massive responsibility both on and off the field," said Horan.

"While there are always going to be heated moments in matches, you just cannot get involved like that.

"Rugby is a contact sport, we're not talking about touch football, and we have all taken our fair amount of hits, strong tackles and head-highs over the years.

"But when you are an international there is a responsibility which comes with being a role model. I know, I felt it.

"It doesn't mean you play any softer or take any backward steps. But sometimes you have to turn your back, or the other cheek. Bite your tongue and just walk away.

"We're trying to spread this game far and wide and we want young children to play it.

"For any player, let alone the England captain, to do that in a televised game is not the image we want to portray to people out there."

Former England star Mick Skinner believes Johnson's temperament has improved since his younger days, but still needs a gentle reminder from those around him to keep his cool.

He told The Sun: "Jonno's behaviour on the field has never been better. The guy turns the other cheek so often, it's remarkable.

"I remember what a young firebrand he was as a youngster, but he has matured incredibly. I've seen him kicked on the ground, belted, stamped on, you name it.

"Those who surround him could help greatly by nagging in the way only friends can. I don't think Jonno goes on the field for Tigers thinking about being England captain, but maybe it's time to remind him who he is before every game."

Saracens assistant coach Tim Wright has added his voice to the chorus of criticism condemning Johnson's punch.

And Wright confirmed that Saracens will appeal against hooker Russell's yellow card, collected at the same time as Johnson was cautioned.

Russell needed six stitches in a gruesome wound below his left eye, while Johnson could yet face a disrepute charge if Rugby Football Union disciplinary officer Robert Horner decides there is sufficient evidence to take the matter further.

"Obviously, Robbie is a bit downhearted by it all - he didn't feel that he was given protection by the referee," Wright said.

"The idea that the referee has given Robbie a yellow card as well is ridiculous, because he's a completely innocent party in all of this."

Russell and Johnson were grappling with each other for the ball before things turned nasty during Leicester's 48-7 Premiership victory over Saracens at Vicarage Road.

But Wright added: "There was no need for Johnson to turn around and stick a right upper-cut on him.

"I think he's a very lucky man; I should think he was more than happy with that yellow card at the time."

And Wright suggested that the incident proved there was one rule for Leicester and one rule for the rest of the Zurich Premiership.

He added: "I think Leicester do hold sway with the officials nowadays.

"They were put under an enormous amount of pressure by the Leicester players during the game to make certain decisions, and I just feel that had it been any one of our players, or any other player from another club in the Premiership, committing such an act, the referee would have had no doubt in sending him off."

Johnson, meanwhile, will captain England in next Saturday's Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship showdown with Ireland.

He leads an England side showing one change from the team that defeated Scotland 29-3 at Murrayfield nine days ago.