Former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro says FA did not request a statement
Thursday 14 January 2016 15:21, UK
Eva Carneiro has insisted she was "at no stage requested" by the Football Association to make a statement about Jose Mourinho's alleged remarks towards her during a Premier League game.
The FA cleared the Chelsea manager of making discriminatory comments towards former club doctor Carneiro as they were involved in a confrontation on the touchline towards the end of the Blues' opening game of the season against Swansea at Stamford Bridge.
Heather Rabbatts, an independent FA board member and the head of its inclusion advisory board, said she had "major concerns" regarding the FA's disciplinary process in the case, while FA chairman Greg Dyke questioned Mourinho's judgement in the matter.
The FA says it approached Dr Carneiro's lawyers to ask if she wanted to submit any relevant evidence, but a statement from the medic insists she was not asked for her side of the story - either in this case or in one last season involving West Ham supporters.
"I was surprised to learn that the FA was allegedly investigating the incident of 8th of August via the press," she said.
"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.
"Last season I had a similar experience at a game at West Ham FC, where I was subject to verbal abuse. 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.
"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.
"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 responded with a statement of its own which read: "We have never received any information or complaint from Dr Carneiro.
"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."
