Chelsea lose Gibraltarian doctor

CHELSEA doctor Eva Carneiro has decided to leave the club following public criticism from manager Jose Mourinho.

Gibraltar born Dr Carneiro had her position downgraded, lost her place on the bench and was no longer allowed to attend matches or training sessions after Mourinho said his medical staff was “naive” for treating Eden Hazard during the 2-2 draw with Swansea on August 8.

Whilst the club has indicated that it does not comment on internal staffing matters it appears that they invited her to return to work, which she declined, whilst considering legal advice.

At the same time, the Football Association is said to be looking into a complaint that Mourinho used abusive or sexist language towards her.

Eva Carneiro and head physiotherapist Jon Fearn went onto the pitch to treat midfielder Hazard in the closing stages of the draw with Swansea.

It meant the Blues were down to nine men, after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had been sent off and Mourinho said the duo had not thought about the situation properly.

Heather Rabbatts, chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, the only female board member expressed her “sadness and anger” at the news of Dr Carneiro’s departure.

“Her departure raises a serious question on how players are safeguarded if their medical support is compromised,” said Rabbatts.

The Women in Football group said Carneiro was highly respected and it was “bitterly disappointed” at her departure.

Perhaps Chelsea’s loss will be the Gibraltar national team’s gain.