Chopra hit with three match ban

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra will miss the first three matches of the Premier League season after being sent off in a pre-season friendly.

Chopra was dismissed for a late tackle against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal on July 20 and is suspended for Saturday's opener against Liverpool and the following matches against Tottenham and Manchester City.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane said: "It didn't put me in the best of moods but, to be honest, I expected it."

Sapa-AFP