Football star Michael Chopra arrested on drink charge

A Championship footballer has been arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Michael Chopra, who plays for Cardiff City, was held by police after a night out in Newcastle city centre.

The 26-year-old Newcastle-born striker, who has played for both his home town club and rivals Sunderland, spent several hours in police cells before being released with an £80 fixed penalty notice.

The incident - in the early hours of February 21 - came after Chopra played in Cardiff's 2-0 home defeat to Barnsley.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "Two men aged 26 and 18 were arrested in Grey Street, Newcastle city centre, on Sunday February 21 at 1.30am on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

"They each received a penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly."

Chopra was a product of Newcastle United's academy but was never able to hold down a regular first team place and was sold to Cardiff in 2006.

After one season Sunderland manager Roy Keane bought him for £5.5 million but he lasted just 18 months on Wearside before returning to Cardiff.