Michael Chopra
Ipswich Town: ‘Club will support Chopra’ - Clegg
Friday, October 5, 2012
9:43 AM
IPSWICH Town chief executive Simon Clegg says the club will be supporting Michael Chopra after the player was charged with various breaches of the rules of horse racing.
Ipswich Town Chief Executive Simon CleggNine people, including Blues striker Chopra and jockey Andrew Heffernan, have been charged in connection with race-fixing by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
A club spokesman said: “This morning Ipswich Town Football Club was made aware that the BHA had charged Michael Chopra and eight other individuals with various breaches of the rules of racing.
“Since that time Town’s chief executive, Simon Clegg, has been working with Michael to understand the full extent of the allegations and the background which led to the charges being made.”
Commenting on behalf of the Club, Mr Clegg said: “Serious allegations of misconduct have been made against Michael by the BHA relating to events which occurred before Michael joined Ipswich Town.
“It needs to be recognised that at this time the charges made against Michael are unproven. Michael will be seeking his own legal advice on this issue, but we will support the player as we have done with his previous well published challenges and as he goes through the inquiry process.
“We will be making no further comment on this matter at this time, as we view it as a private matter between the player and a non-football authority.”
Chopra and four others have been charged with offering bribes to Heffernan, a former British licensed jockey now riding in Australia.
Three other people have been charged with other breaches of the rules of racing, the BHA has announced.
Paul Scotney, the BHA’s integrity, compliance and licensing director, said: “The charges BHA has issued are the result of a long and complicated investigation. This process has taken significant time and resources.”
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11 comments
Like them or not, it shows how good Terry and Cole are, doesn;t it?
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Kevin Bailey
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
How can Chopra concentrate on what he is being handsomely paid to do while carrying all his personal baggage? I suppose CEO Clegg could always pay him to leave (if he is found guilty) as he has done with others provided Chopra has paid back the club's earlier loan.
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Brian Betts
Saturday, October 6, 2012
I wonder if one of the regular posters is really Mr Jewell in disguise?
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Blue and true since 1962
Friday, October 5, 2012
If he was a prolific goalscorer in the past he certainly isnt now . my decision would have been goodbye mr chopra , thanks for nothing.
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KEVIN FRANCIS
Friday, October 5, 2012
How long can the club go on backing Chopra for his alleged misdemeanours? (for ever being cynical if he is scoring every game but alas he is not.)
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JOHN BURLS
Friday, October 5, 2012
Quite right, until or unless he is found guilty
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Kevin Bailey
Friday, October 5, 2012
I was hopeful with Chopra, and perhaps he would be more prolific with a better manager, but historically it was never really likely that he would score many for us- 16 goals in 55 games is a dismal showing tbh. I respect the club standing by him, but there is only so many times you can support someone that doesn't learn by their mistakes (although this has also been overlooked by the continued management of the club by Jewell)
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I am Spartacus
Friday, October 5, 2012
I am not a fan of Simon says but on this occasion at least he is talking sense.
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FRANK WESTON
Friday, October 5, 2012
And so they should! What on earth has happened to innocent until proven guilty - or does this not apply in football circles?
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FRANK WESTON
Friday, October 5, 2012
Another poor PJ signing. Disruptive. PJ OUT!
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Jason
Friday, October 5, 2012
Obviously no one but those involved know the full story so probably wrong to make assumptions. However it does sound very much like deja vu and another bail out coming on. If so life is surely strange when people that do know right from wrong have to foot the bill for those that dont.
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SussexTractorBoy
Thursday, October 4, 2012