adminJose Mourinho is to be the subject of an individual legal claim from former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro in addition to the action she is bringing against the club for constructive dismissal, Press Association Sport reports. Legal papers will be served on Mourinho this week as part of separate but connected claims against him and against the club.
It means the Chelsea manager will have to appear in person at an employment tribunal unless the case is settled out of court beforehand. Under employment law, an individual can be personally liable for damages if victimisation or discrimination can be proved.
The claim against Mourinho will be on the basis that he was instrumental in the actions against Carneiro in having her dropped from first-team duties and her role reduced.
The latest development will heap even more pressure on the 52-year-old 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 naive.”
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.— ESPN.
Online Reporter