Ethan Roots: Exeter flanker banned for three games for strike on Jack Inard

Root said his reaction came after Inard tackled him, making contact with his calf, which he injured in the second half.

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

“He came very low and his shoulder came into contact with my leg right where I was hit,” Root added.

“It was very painful. I reacted by pushing my hand on his head. It wasn’t a strong blow and there was no closed fist or anything like that.

“I tried to rationalize what happened, and why, and I had no idea what I was trying to do or achieve. It was a split second reaction to pain and frustration, and I’m very sorry for that.”

From an initial six-game ban, Roots initially admitted the charge, had a good disciplinary record and co-operated with the tribunal before the panel reduced it to three games.