ENGLAND rugby star Ethan Roots has been banned for three games after leaving Jack Innard concussed on Sunday.
Exeter flanker Roots had struck Innard, who he calls a “friend”, during his team’s 34-31 defeat to Gloucester at Kingsholm.
England rugby star Ethan Roots has been banned for three games after striking Jack Innard Credit: Getty
He left Jack Innard concussed after reacting to a bad tackle Credit: Getty
The 28-year-old was given a 20-minute red card and will now miss games against Ulster , Bath and Harlequins.
Roots claimed he was reacting to a bad tackle from Innard but insisted there was “no animosity” between the pair.
He said: “He came in very low and his shoulder came into contact with my leg exactly on the injury I had just received.
“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.”
He added: “We have no personal animosity at all.
“To the contrary he is a friend and my brother who also plays for Exeter has rented his house since Jack joined Gloucester.”
Roots has picked up four appearances for the senior England team during his career Credit: Getty
His offence had a starting point of a six-game suspension.
However, the Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel reduced it to three due to his admission of the charges and good record.
His suspension is a major blow as it means he will miss Exeter’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final game against Ulster on Saturday.
If his team do overcome Ulster and reach the final, he will be able to play in the showpiece in Bilbao.
Roots has been with Exeter since 2023 after a two-year spell with Ospreys.
He has been handed three senior appearances for during his career after making his debut in 2024.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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