Stade Francais prop David Attoub was found guilty of gouging on Friday and now faces a season-ending ban.

Attoub was cited for gouging Ulster lock Stephen Ferris during a stormy European Cup clash in Belfast on December 12.

After the initial hearing had been adjourned for more evidence to be gathered, European Cup rugby's disciplinary panel on Friday decided the player was guilty.

His punishment will be decided at a later date.

"The independent judicial officer found that an act of foul play had occurred in that Attoub had made contact with the eye/eye area of Ulster player Stephen Ferris," said a statement.

The ban is likely to be lengthy after teammate and scrum-half Julien Dupuy was handed a 24-week ban for gouging the same player in the same tie.

Dupuy appealed but his ban was only cut by a week.

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