Jose Mourinho is to be the subject of an individual legal claim from former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro.
Sky Sports News HQ understands Dr Carneiro’s lawyers have named Mourinho as a respondent in the ongoing legal wrangle. The news suggests that Carneiro holds Mourinho responsible in part or in full for her departure from Stamford Bridge.
Details of the claim have been lodged with the Employment Tribunal and Chelsea are now aware of the details in the claim.
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 employment law, an individual can be personally liable for damages if victimisation or discrimination can be proved.
Part of the case will focus on the events back in August and the final moments of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Swansea. With Chelsea down to 10 men, Dr Carneiro and the team physiotherapist were called on to the pitch by the referee to treat Eden Hazard. In the post-match press conference, Mourinho described his medical staff as “impulsive and naive.”
He went on to say: “Even if you are a kit man, doctor or secretary on the bench, you have to understand the game.”
The two sides could well settle before the claims and counter-claims are aired in public at a tribunal, but Monday’s developments – and the naming of Mourinho as a main respondent – will do little to ease the pressure on the beleaguered Chelsea boss.
Mourinho 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.
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