Chopra suspension fear for Sunderland

Sunderland are likely to appeal against striker Michael Chopra’s dismissal in Portugal last night as he waits to see if he faces a three-match ban.

The 24-year-old was sent off by referee Bruno Paixao for an 80th-minute lunge in a 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in Albufeira, and manager Roy Keane’s angry protests to fourth official Nuno Campes saw him similarly despatched.