QPR and Morocco star Ilias Chair has had a jail term reduced to 150 hours of community service and a fine of €1,600 [£1,345].
Chair was sentenced to a year in prison after being convicted in February by a Belgian court of breaking a lorry driver’s skull with a rock.
The incident happened following an altercation after a kayaking trip in northern France and Chair claimed he was defending members of his family.
The midfielder immediately appealed the decision and his criminal conviction has now been deemed a misdemeanor after a deal was reached with prosecutors.
Chair has been continuing to play for the Championship club throughout the legal proceedings, and made 44 appearances in all competitions last season.
Under Belgian law, those convicted of a crime have the right to appeal and in the majority of cases are allowed to continue their lives until the legal process has been exhausted.
Now the matter has been put to a close, with an agreement reached with prosecutors that includes a small fine.
A statement from the Hoops read: “The club takes note of the decision by the Belgian judiciary concerning our player, Ilias Chair.
“Queens Park Rangers Football Club expects its staff and players to conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion at all times.
“The club will now carry out its own disciplinary procedures, which will include reminding the player of his responsibilities at all times.”
Born in Belgium, Chair is of Moroccan descent and has won 12 caps for his country.
He has been at QPR since 2017, joining as a teenager from Belgian club Lierse.
Chair has since made more than 230 appearances for the west London side.
News Summary:
- QPR star Ilias Chair has jail term reduced to community service as deal reached over assault conviction
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.