More problems for beleaguered Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as he is being personally sued by Eva Carneiro on top of the legal action she is taking against Chelsea over the loss of her job as the club’s first-team doctor.
It means the Portuguese manager will have to appear in person at an employment tribunal unless the case is settled out of court beforehand. Under UK law an individual can be personally liable for damages in constructive dismissal cases if victimisation or discrimination can be proven.
Carneiro’s claim against Mourinho will cite his banishing of her from the bench as being instrumental in her departure last month.
The timing of Carneiro’s latest move could hardly be worse for Mourinho, who has seen his side lose six out of 11 matches in the Premier League so far to leave the reigning champions in 15th spot in the table.
The controversy over Carneiro goes back to August 8, the opening day of the season, when Mourinho criticised her and head physio Jon Fearn for going on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard after being called on by referee Michael Oliver.
The action meant that Chelsea were temporarily down to nine men against Swansea, and afterwards Mourinho called Carneiro and Fearn “impulsive and naïve”.
Carneiro did not appear on the bench again for first-team duties and is now seeking a claim for constructive dismissal after parting company with the club.
The doctor’s lawyers said neither she nor they could comment as the case is sub judice. Chelsea did not respond when asked if they wished to comment.
Mourinho was cleared of using discriminatory language towards her following an investigation by the Football Association, which caused further controversy after Carneiro revealed she had not been spoken to personally during the investigation, nor asked to provide any statement.
I am amazed that Chelsea have let this get this far. There are reports that the club and Carneiro were working on a settlement, but the two sides could not come to terms. Chelsea have to settle this. They cannot afford more bad press and the image of their manager being called into a employment tribunal.
