Tom Youngs has been given a three-week suspension by an independent disciplinary panel following his red card in the match against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

Leicester Tigers club captain Youngs appeared before the panel in London on Tuesday afternoon after receiving the red card from referee Tom Foley in the 56th minute of Saturday’s game. This was for making contact with Chiefs lock Ollie Atkins' head in a ruck contrary to Law 9.20(a) – dangerous play in a ruck or maul.

Youngs accepted the charge and was given a three-week suspension by the panel comprising Philip Evans QC with Richard Whittam QC and Chris Skaife.

Taking into account Tigers fixtures, he is free to play again on May 7.

Panel chair Philip Evans QC said: “The player accepted the charge and the facts as alleged, including having made contact with his opponent's head. The panel found the appropriate starting point was six weeks (mid-range). Given his early plea of guilty, his candid evidence to the panel, obvious remorse, playing record and personal mitigation including off-field mitigating factors, exceptionally, the panel felt able to reduce the period of suspension by three weeks.”