Eva Carneiro set to take legal action against Jose Mourinho and Chelsea

Chelsea physio Jon Fearn and Eva Carneiro treat Eden Hazard in Premier League match against Swansea

Former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro is set to sue club manager Jose Mourinho for constructive dismissal, according to Guardian. Mourinho is also the subject of an individual legal claim as he was instrumental in Carneiro’s apparent demotion and having her dropped from first-team duties.

The Portuguese tactician just can’t take a breather in recent weeks and has been under enormous pressure after the club made a horrific start to their title-defending campaign. Not only is Mourinho being responsible for his side’s players poor display on the pitch, but he has also been in the middle of controversies ‘off-field’ with his post-match rants against referees, bad conduct in the dugout and for dismissing the club doctor Carneiro of her duties.

Doctor Carneiro’s lawyers have suggested that the Portuguese coach is ‘fully responsible’ for her departure from Stamford Bridge. Details of the claim have been lodged with the Employment Tribunal and the West London club are now aware of the details in the claim. The former Real Madrid manager has to appear in person at an employment tribunal unless the case is settled out of court beforehand.

The ongoing controversy over the former club doctor goes back to August 8, in Chelsea season opener against Swansea, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The English champions were down to 10 men and Carneiro along with physio Jon Fearn ran onto the pitch to treat the injured Eden Hazard. This move angered Mourinho, who labelled his medical staff as “impulsive and naive” in his post-match interview.

“Even if you are a kit man, doctor or secretary on the bench, you have to understand the game.” he added.

Ever since the incident happened, the doctor has not appeared on the Blues’ bench for first-team duties and is now seeking a claim for constructive dismissal after parting company with the club. The latest development will heap more pressure on the 52-year-old, whose side are struggling in the domestic league, having suffered their 6th defeat of this season to Liverpool last weekend and now sit 15th in the league table.

Mourinho and Carneiro could well settle before the claims and counter-claims are aired in public at tribunal, but on the latest development and the naming of the Portuguese coach as the main respondent, it will not help his case, as more pressure mounts to save his job at 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.