Eva Carneiro tribunal: Jose Mourinho makes surprise appearance at hearing over Chelsea dismissal

Jose Mourinho was a surprise attendee at the Eva Carneiro employment tribunal on Tuesday as the former Chelsea manager arrived just minutes after the physiotherapist at Croydon Employment Tribunal.

Carneiro is claiming constructive dismissal against Chelsea and is also pursuing a separate legal case against Mourinho for alleged victimisation and sexual discrimination during their time together at the Premier League club.

Mourinho is expected to be required to attend the tribunal on Monday and Tuesday next week to answer questions from Mary O’Rourke QC, the barrister representing Carneiro. O’Rourke stated on Monday during the hearing’s opening day that it would take more than one day to cross-examine the recently appointed Manchester United manager.

However, after Carneiro had arrived with her legal team and walked into the Croydon Employment Tribunal reception, Mourinho was seen walking towards the building alongside Chelsea’s head of communications and public affairs, Steve Adkins. Mourinho did not say a word as he entered the revolving doors, and after Carneiro had walked up the stairs inside towards the room that would hold the hearing, Mourinho soon followed.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck was also in attendance, with the scheduled 14:00 start time pushed back to 14:30.

42-year-old doctor Carneiro alleges that Mourinho abused her as she ran out on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard in a home match against Swansea City on the opening day of the Premier League season last August.

Carneiro and physiotherapist Jon Fearn were demoted from first-team duties following the incident. Carneiro subsequently left the club in September. As part of the paperwork submitted on the first day of the tribunal, it was claimed by Chelsea that Carneiro had "rejected a £1.2m payment" to drop the matter, as well as turned down a return to her job with the club on multiple occasions.

A key part of the case will be the precise meaning of Mourinho's comments to Carneiro as she ran onto the field to treat Hazard.

Caneiro claims that Mourinho shouted “filha da puta”, meaning ‘daughter of a whore’ in Portuguese, at her from the touchline as she ran onto the pitch.

She also alleges that the abuse carried on in the dressing room, when Mourinho told Chelsea medical director, Paco Biosca: "If they don't know how to do their jobs and they don't understand the game you get other ones. You have to understand the game."

In her written opening remarks, Mary O'Rourke QC, representing Dr Carneiro, submits: "Not understanding the game is a common allegation put to women in the football world."

Mourinho denies saying “filha da puta” but admits to using the term “filho da puta”, meaning ‘son of a bitch’.

In his statement, Mourinho said: "Filho da puta is a phrase I often use, all of the players know it. There is no sexist connotation in the use of the phrase - it is just like saying 'f*** off'.

"In the world of football, a lot of swear words are used."

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An expert in Portuguese swearing will give evidence in the case, which will be heard over the next seven to 10 days. Mourinho is expected to give evidence at some stage of proceedings next week.