Ethan Roots Receives Three-Game Ban
Exeter forward Ethan Roots, who has earned four caps for England, has been suspended for three matches following an incident in which he struck Gloucester hooker Jack Innard, a former teammate at Exeter.
The incident occurred during the closing moments of Sunday's Premiership game at Kingsholm, where Roots delivered a blow to Innard while the latter was on the ground. The 28-year-old received a 20-minute red card for the offense, which resulted in Innard sustaining a concussion.
As a consequence of the ban, Roots will be unavailable for Exeter's upcoming European Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster on Saturday, as well as the Premiership fixtures against league leaders Bath at Sandy Park and Harlequins at Twickenham.
"We have no personal animosity at all," Roots stated to the Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel. "To the contrary he is a friend and my brother who also plays for Exeter has rented his house since Jack joined Gloucester."
Details of the Incident and Injury
Roots explained that his reaction was triggered after Innard's tackle made contact with a calf injury he had sustained earlier in the second half. Medical staff removed a piece of plastic and rubber crumb from the synthetic pitch surface from the wound, which required four stitches before Roots was able to continue playing.
"He came in very low and his shoulder came into contact with my leg exactly on the injury I had just received," Roots said.
"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."
Disciplinary Panel's Decision
The disciplinary panel initially considered a six-game ban for Roots but reduced the suspension to three games. This reduction was due to Roots' early admission of the charge, his good disciplinary record, and his cooperation with the tribunal.
