Premier League doctors: Chelsea's axing of medic unjust

Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro's reported sidelining by her club is "unjust in the extreme", a group representing Premier League doctors said on Thursday.

British media reports claim Carneiro will no longer attend matches or training sessions after manager Jose Mourinho criticised her and physiotherapist Jon Fearn for running on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Swansea City.

Mourinho, who said that Carneiro and Fearn had been "impulsive and naive", has received widespread criticism, with former Liverpool doctor Peter Brukner branding his behaviour "absolutely appalling".

In a statement, the Premier League Doctors' Group said: "The Premier League Doctor's Group considers that removing Dr Eva Carneiro from the Chelsea team bench for their next match is unjust in the extreme.

"In the publicised incident in last Saturday's game against Swansea, the Chelsea medical staff were clearly summoned on to the field of play by the match referee to attend to a player.

"A refusal to run onto the pitch would have breached the duty of care required of the medical team to their patient.

"It is a huge concern that Dr Carneiro has been subjected to unprecedented media scrutiny and a change in her professional role, merely because she adhered to her code of professional conduct and did her job properly."

The body pledged that Carneiro, who joined Chelsea in 2009, had its "universal and total support".

Chelsea and Mourinho are yet to comment on reports that Carneiro's role has changed, but he is expected to address the media at his weekly press conference on Friday.
Source: AFP