Jewell To Play Striker As Blues Back Chopra

Paul Jewell will start with striker Michael Chopra against Cardiff.

The Blues boss will publically back his player after the club showed their support for Chopra following charges brought against him by the British Horse-racing Authority for race-fixing.

In a club statement chief executive Simon 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.’

Jewell has played Chopra before despite the bad publicity, and with the player deep in debt, Chopra can’t afford not to play.