
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.
And Dr Carneiro has released a statement insisting that she was not asked
for her side of the story by the FA.
"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."