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Topics: Sport, Football, News, World News
Olivia Burke
Topics: Sport, Football, News, World News
Queens Park Rangers' Illias Chair has been included in the starting line-up for the club's clash against Rotherham United just a day after his prison sentence.
The midfielder, 26, will join the boys in blue and white on the field for the Championship game this afternoon (24 February) despite his recent sentence.
On Friday, Chair was sentenced to two-years in prison - one of which is suspended - in the city of Antwerp after he fractured a truck driver's skull with a rock after an altercation during a kayaking trip back in 2020.
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The victim was admitted to hospital in critical condition, according to local newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, and was left unable to work for a long period of time as he recovered.
Antwerp's public prosecution said in a January hearing that the blow was 'almost fatal' and that the victim 'still feels the after-effects'.
As well as Chair's prison sentence with 12-months suspended, a court also ordered that he must stump up €15,000 (£12,800) to the man in compensation.
The footballer denied the charges, but he was identified in court as being the person who hit the victim with a rock.
Two other men were also found guilty at the trial, with one receiving a six month sentence and the other being jailed for 12 months in prison.
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The outcome of the case was deeply concerning for QPR fans ahead of the match against Rotherham, as the winger has been a pivotal player since his debut in 2017.
Rangers said they had been in 'regular contact' with Chair's legal team in a brief statement on Friday.
It said: "The club are, and have been, in regular contact with Ilias Chair’s legal team regarding a charge of assault which has been made against him.
"The legal proceeding is yet to reach its conclusion. As such, the club will be making no further comment at this stage."
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According to reports, Chair is set to appeal the verdict and he remains available for selection as the legal process continues to unfold in Belgium.
But footie fans were still shocked when QPR revealed that he will be included in the starting eleven later today.
One social media user said: "Well Chair shouldn't be playing...."
Another wrote: "Disgrace that Chair is playing."
And a third added: "I'm a QPR fan and Chair shouldn't be selected. Totally unacceptable from the club. Very disappointing."
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LADbible has contacted QPR for further comment.