Carneiro slams FA investigation into Mourinho row

Author Photo
Eva Carneiro

The FA announced on Wednesday that it would take no action against Mourinho over a touchline row with Carneiro after the latter entered the field of play to treat Eden Hazard during the closing stages of Chelsea's 2-2 Premier League draw against Swansea City on August 8.

Carneiro, who was stood down from first-team duties and subsequently left the club, questioned the FA's decision to proceed without seeking her version of events and accused the organisation of "choosing to ignore some of the evidence".

In a statement that explicitly questioned the effectiveness of the investigation, Carneiro said: "I was surprised to learn that the FA was allegedly investigating the incident of 8 August via the press. 

"I was at no stage requested by the FA to make a statement. I wonder whether this might be the only formal investigation in this country where the evidence of the individuals involved in the incident was not considered relevant. 

"Choosing to ignore some of the evidence will surely influence the outcome of the findings."

But the FA responded by saying it had been in written contact with Carneiro's lawyers, inviting her to provide evidence.

"We have never received any information or complaint from Dr Carneiro," an FA spokesman said.

"Including in written correspondence with her lawyers, it has been made explicitly clear that if Dr Carneiro had evidence to provide or wished to make a complaint she was more than welcome to do so. That route remains open."

The FA analysed footage of the incident - which stemmed from Carneiro and physiotherapist Jon Fearn entering the field to treat Eden Hazard during the closing stages of a game where Chelsea were already down to 10 men - including audio recordings examined by a Portuguese linguistics expert.

Carneiro went on to express similar displeasure over the FA's handling of alleged abuse from supporters in a match between West Ham and Chelsea in March. Again, in this instance, Carneiro says she was not approached for comment.

"Last season I had a similar experience at a game at West Ham FC, where I was subject to verbal abuse," she said.

"Following complaints by the public, the FA produced a communication to the press saying there had been no sexist chanting during this game. At no time was I approached for a statement despite the fact that vile unacceptable, sexually explicit abuse was clearly heard."

The FA's handling of a flashpoint - which also resulted in physiotherapist Jon Fearn being removed from first-team affairs at Chelsea - was severely criticised by FA independent board member Heather Rabbatts, who Carneiro thanked for her support over the matter.

"It is incidents such as these‎ and the lack of support from the football authorities that make it so difficult for women in the game," Carneiro added.

"I admire what Heather Rabbatts has done and thank her and friends and colleagues who have supported me at this very difficult time."

The FA analysed footage of the incident, including audio recordings analysed by a Portuguese linguistics expert before clearing Mourinho, who told a press conference earlier on Friday that he would not be drawn into any further comment at this time.

"For the past two months I didn't open my mouth and I'm going to keep it like this," the Chelsea boss said.

"One day I will speak but I will choose a day. I read and I listen and I watch but I am quiet. My time to speak will arrive when I decide."

Author(s)
Dom Farrell Photo

Dom is the senior content producer for Sporting News UK.