A doctor has reached a settlement with Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho (the Club’s former manager) after she brought claims for constructive dismissal and sex discrimination.
During a match between Swansea and Chelsea FC last August, Dr Carneiro ran onto the pitch to treat an injured player. The decision meant that the team was reduced to 9 players for a time. Mourinho allegedly shouted at Dr Carneiro and publicly criticised her as being ‘naive’ and ‘impulsive’ in an after match interview. Shortly after, Dr Carneiro was demoted from first team duties and later left the Club.
Dr Carneiro brought claims of constructive dismissal against the Club and sex discrimination and harassment against Mourinho. It is reported that she rejected an offer of £1.2 million to settle out of court, preferring instead to take the case to a hearing. However, a confidential settlement was reached in the corridors of the tribunal for an undisclosed sum.
Whilst no apology was forthcoming from Mourinho, the Club issued a statement apologising for the distress caused to Dr Carneiro and noted that her decision to run onto the pitch followed her responsibility to the players as a doctor.