EXETER Chiefs have been dealt a major blow ahead of Saturday’s European Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster after back-rower Ethan Roots was handed a three-match ban.

The suspension follows a red card shown in the closing stages of Chiefs’ Gallagher Premiership clash with Gloucester at Kingsholm last weekend. Referee Matthew Carley dismissed Roots in the 80th minute for a punch or strike on Gloucester hooker Jack Innard.

The incident was reviewed by a disciplinary panel led by judicial officer Daniel Gore, with the case decided on the papers.

Roots accepted the charge and was subsequently given a three-match suspension.

Crucially, that ruling rules him out of Exeter’s highly-anticipated European Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster Rugby this weekend - a significant setback for the Premiership side as they look to reach the final.

The 26-year-old will also miss two key domestic fixtures, including the Premiership clash with Bath and a further league meeting with Harlequins.

Roots has been a key figure in Exeter’s forward pack this season and his absence leaves a sizeable gap in both physicality and experience at a critical stage of the season.