Michael Chopra has spoken of his regret at the recent incident that led to him being fined a fortnight’s wages.

Chopra, who has fought an ongoing and well-publicised battle with a costly gambling addiction, briefly went off the rails when he and Jimmy Bullard were late for training after spending the best part of two days in Newcastle.

While Town’s leading marksman was hit in the pocket, manager Paul Jewell decided to suspend Bullard for two weeks, although he is now back in full training with the other members of the senior squad.

Chopra said: “It’s one of those things that happens but I certainly regret it. I have apologised to the manager and the club. I let myself down and other people, including some who have done a lot to help me through my bad times.

“You are always learning in life. I’ve obviously made a few in my life and that was the latest. I shouldn’t have done that, I’ve been punished and I now want to look ahead to what I can achieve here at Ipswich.”

Chopra dismissed rumours that it was a case of him being led astray by 33-year-old Bullard, whose contract at former club Hull was cancelled following an alleged incident during the Tigers’ pre-season training camp in Slovenia.

He added: “That’s not what happened at all. It was my idea to go up to Newcastle and Jimmy said he would come with me. I was trying to get some of the other players to come along as well but they were strong enough to say no and I wish I had been like that as well.”

Photo: Action Images

tellitasiseeit added 10:15 - Mar 24 Well done Chop's an honest account and of your regret about the incident,True it hurt a lot of people mostly your fan's and the trust people gave you.But We have put it behind us and we want you to put it out of your mind and play football that you are so good at. Keep scoring the goal's for Ipswich and become a legend in our hearts. much better to have that, than be an outcast by your follower's COTB

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Garv added 10:47 - Mar 24 We've all forgiven Chopra because basically he's in the team and scoring goals, so we have to forgive Bullard as well. He might get a game off the bench today.
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owenitfc added 12:17 - Mar 24 it was a massive gamble trying to get from newcastle to training on time
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Sindre94 added 14:34 - Mar 24 I forgive ya mate, COYB
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Bergholtblue added 17:02 - Mar 24 owenitfc - not if you have a punt.
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jas0999 added 16:42 - Mar 25 Poor management from PJ. How on earth can he suspend Bullard when Chopra admits he was at fault? Very poor from a below average manager.
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