Ilias Chair reflects on the altercation in Belgium that shook his life

The incident dates back to the summer of 2020, during a vacation in the Ardennes. An altercation broke out when boarding a bus, during which the player’s mother was injured. Ilias Chair then struck a man, Niels T., with a stone, causing a 2-centimeter skull fracture. The victim had to be hospitalized for a very long time, preventing him from resuming his job as a truck driver for many months.

Legally, the 28-year-old player had initially been sentenced in February 2024 to two years in prison, half of which was suspended. Having appealed immediately, he was not incarcerated and his conviction was reclassified as a minor offense last July, ultimately resulting in 150 hours of community service and a reduced fine equivalent to 2,000 euros.

A "dark day" and a letter of apology

In an interview with The Athletic, Ilias Chair reflected on the trauma of this legal process. He describes the moment of his initial conviction as "the darkest day" of his life, fearing the collapse of his career and family life. While admitting that his gesture "should never have happened," he explains it by the sight of his mother on the ground, "vulnerable and covered in bruises," citing an instinctive protective reaction that the appeal judge would have understood.

The player claims to have learned from this event that has "changed him for good" in terms of responsibility. He also sent a letter to the victim and his family to offer his "heartfelt apologies," hoping to now turn the page while continuing to play for QPR.