QPR star Elais Cheah admits it was the darkest day of his life after someone suffered a skull fracture after being hit by a stone during a brawl in Belgium
QPR star Elais Chaire admitted his assault was the “darkest day of my life” after he was sentenced to 12 months in prison after leaving his victim with a skull fracture.
His nightmare stemmed from an incident in the summer of 2020, when Chair, then 22, was vacationing with family and friends. After a kayaking trip in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest, an argument broke out with another group over who would get the bus home from the trip.
The man identified as Niels T. in the incident was part of another group and the chairman’s mother was caught in the crossfire after a fight broke out. Belgian prosecutors said the altercation involved “hitting, scratching and biting”. After the incident, Niels T. was left on the ground with a 2cm skull fracture, and the man who hit him in the head with a rock was identified as Mr. Chair.
It was not until January 2024 that the Chairman became aware that he was the subject of criminal proceedings. The case evolved from a civil case to a criminal case, but he did not know that he would have to appear in court. He then retained an attorney and requested a new trial, but his request was denied.
The chairman was sentenced to two years in prison, with 12 months suspended. He was to pay €15,000 (£12,800) in compensation to his victims. Jaber, the chairman’s cousin, was sentenced to six months in prison for his role in the brawl.
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Reflecting on that entire episode, the QPR ace told The Athletic, “That day was probably the darkest day of my life. It automatically puts you in the worst-case scenario. Everything I’ve worked for, everything I’ve done for myself and my family could be gone. I still get emotional thinking about it.”
“I just saw my mother lying on the floor, defenseless and in a scary position, and I reacted. In reaction to what was happening, everything happened so quickly. Nevertheless, something like this should never have happened. I wrote to him and his family, telling them how sorry I was and apologizing from the bottom of my heart. I said I wish them nothing but the best in life.”
The chairman then met with a judge, who had the criminal conviction changed to a misdemeanor, and the conviction was ultimately reduced to 150 hours of community service and a 1,600 euro (approximately 1,400,000 yen) fine.
“I spoke to the judge and I think he appreciated the human side of this whole incident, because at the end of the day, as a young man, being with my family and seeing my mother on the floor with injuries…that doesn’t excuse what I did, but at the same time it was a very natural, human reaction that I had to have to that situation.
“I said that throughout the whole process, and I said that to the judge that day. I’m so sorry for what happened to that person. I wish I could get it back. I sincerely apologize to that entire family.”
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