Former Premier League ace, Michael Chopra, has been banned from driving despite claiming it might cost him a chance of a life-saving transplant.
The former Sunderland and Cardiff City striker was handed a 12-month driving ban after pleading guilty to drink-driving. He was also fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £100 victim surcharge.
Chopra, who now plays for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, was stopped by police in Newcastle in the early hours of August 5. He was found to be more than twice the legal limit and was arrested.
The 35-year-old, who has battled alcohol addiction in the past, told the court he was on his way to hospital for a kidney transplant assessment. He said he had been drinking to cope with the stress of the situation.
Chopra, who has been suffering from kidney failure since 2015, said the ban could cost him a chance of a life-saving transplant. He said he had been drinking to cope with the stress of the situation.
The court heard that Chopra had been drinking with friends and had been drinking for several hours before getting behind the wheel. He was found to have 97 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Chopra, who has played for Newcastle United, Ipswich Town and Blackpool, said he was “devastated” by the ban. He said he had been trying to get his life back on track and was hoping to get a kidney transplant.
He said: “I am devastated by the ban. I was on my way to hospital for a kidney transplant assessment and I had been drinking to cope with the stress of the situation. I know I made a mistake and I am truly sorry.”
Chopra said he was now facing an uncertain future and was worried he would not be able to get a transplant. He said: “I am now facing an uncertain future and I am worried I won’t be able to get a transplant. I am trying to get my life back on track and this has been a huge setback.”
Chopra’s lawyer, John Wesencraft, said his client was “genuinely remorseful” and had been trying to get his life back on track. He said: “He is genuinely remorseful and he has been trying to get his life back on track. He is a professional footballer and he is trying to make a living.”
Chopra’s ban comes at a time when he is trying to get his life back on track. He is hoping to get a kidney transplant and is now facing an uncertain future. He has been trying to cope with the stress of the situation and has been drinking to cope with it. He is now facing a 12-month driving ban and a hefty fine.