BY Victor Akhidenor
Jose Mourinho is to be the subject of an individual legal claim from former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro.
Legal papers will be served on Mourinho this week as part of separate but connected claims against him and against the club, according to Press Association Sport.
It means the Portuguese manager will have to appear in person at an employment tribunal unless the case is settled out of court beforehand.
Carneiro was dropped from first-team duties after Mourinho said she was “impulsive and naïve” for treating Eden Hazard during 2-2 draw with Swansea.
Her lawyers are already suing the club for constructive dismissal.
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 effectively demoted.
The incident in question happened August 8 – the opening day of the Premier League season – when Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn rushed onto the pitch during the to treat midfielder Hazard.
The Blues were already down to 10 men after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was sent off, and with Hazard having to leave the field after being treated despite appearing not to be badly injured, the team were temporarily reduced to nine men.
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.
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.
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 Barclays Premier League so far to leave the reigning champions in 15th spot in the table.
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