The striker was sent off during the Black Cats' pre-season opener against Sporting Lisbon.

Referee Bruno Paizao has reported the dismissal to the Portuguese FA and they will in turn inform their English counterparts.

Sunderland club secretary Margaret Byrne, who is in Portugal with the squad, has prepared the case for the defence.

Manager Roy Keane – also sent from the touchline for protesting Chopra's dismissal – said: "I've left it with Mags, our club secretary. I'm led to believe that the referee did put it (Chopra's dismissal) in his report and we'll wait and see what happens.

"My feelings now are the same as my reaction after the game. It certainly wasn't a sending off.

"We've not got the biggest squad in the world and the last thing I need is for Chops to be suspended for the start of the season.

"Hopefully people will see sense. Mags has sent off her own report, I think with video evidence.

"The worst case scenario from that tackle, I thought, would be a booking, but the referee has made his decision and we have got to get on with it.

"I haven't a clue what will happen in my own case. We're more worried about Chops – I think the players and the staff are hoping I am suspended!

"We wait to see the referee's report but I spoke to the referee the other night and apologised for any confusion in translation."