Ethan Roots: Exeter flanker banned for three games for Jack Innard strike

Roots says his reaction came after Innard tackled him, with the contact being made on his calf, which he had injured during the second half.

Medics removed a piece of plastic and some rubber crumb from the synthetic surface from the wound, which required four stitches before Roots could return to the pitch.

“He came in very low and his shoulder came into contact with my leg exactly on the injury I had just received,” Roots added.

“This was very painful. I reacted by pushing my hand down on his head. It was not a strong hit and there was no closed fist or anything like that.

“I have tried to rationalise what happened, and why, and I have no idea what I was trying to do or achieve. It was a split second response to pain and frustration and I am very sorry for it.”

From a starting point of a six-game ban, the panel reduced it to three games because of Roots’ early admission of the charge, good disciplinary record and cooperation with the tribunal.