RIVAL BOSS IS CALLING FOR A BAN

into the game I love. Together we have created something incredibly special with the Saracens family, both on and off the field.

“This is devastating for everyone associated with this amazing group of players, staff, partners and fans.”

But chief executive of Exeter Tony Rowe believes the punishment is too lenient. “They should be suspended until they can prove their squad is within the salary cap,” he said.

“They have already broken the salary cap this year because they have played three games in this year’s Premiership with the same squad – if not better than they had last year.

“I hope Premier Rugby make them reduce their squad immediately. If I was there, I’d be saying they can’t compete until you reduce your squad and you are within the salary cap.”

Pending an appeal, which they have 14 days to lodge, the points penalty would see them plummet from fourth place to 30 points adrift at the bottom of the table.

An independent panel led by barrister Lord Dyson found the club had failed to disclose payments to players in each of the last three seasons and had also exceeded the ceiling for payments.

The panel was established after a nine-month Premiership Rugby investigation led to charges being brought in June. The panel upheld all the charges.

World Cup winner Will Greenwood said: “It is difficult to underestimate the huge impact this will have on one of England’s most successful sporting clubs.”