English FA to investigate Chopra race row

The English Football Association will examine claims that Cardiff striker Michael Chopra suffered racist abuse following his Championship side’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Cardiff forward Jay Bothroyd alleged that Chopra – who was born in England but is of Indian descent – was the subject of a racial slur from a Palace player after the match at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Players from both sides had to be separated following the final whistle of the 1-1 draw and trouble reportedly continued in the tunnel.

Bothroyd said on Saturday: “I wasn’t there but I spoke to Chops and he said one of their boys made a racist comment to him.

“That is obviously not acceptable in this game and it’s something I think the referee might have to deal with.

“We were wearing T-shirts that said ‘Kick Racism Out Of Football’ and then something like that happens.”

The FA would need evidence before taking action and a spokesman said: “We are reliant on being provided with witness statements.”

A Cardiff spokesman said: “As a club we utterly condemn any racist comments from anyone but in this particular case the referee tells us he didn’t see or hear anything.”