Dr Eva Carneiro to be represented by Manchester United season ticket holder in case against Chelsea and Jose Mourinho
The barrister representing Dr Eva Carneiro in her sexism claim against JoseMourinho is a Manchester United season ticket holder, we can reveal.
Mary O’Rourke QC is identified as a diehard United fan on the website of Old Square Chambers, which specialises in employment and discrimination cases.
One of Mourinho’s first public appearances as United manager could see him cross-examined by O’Rourke at London South Employment Tribunal in Croydon, which will hear Carneiro’s claim for constructive dismissal and sexism against Chelsea and their former boss on June 6.
It would not be the first time O’Rourke has found herself on opposite sides of a courtroom to the manager of the club she supports, having cited as a career highlight her cross-examination of Sir Alex Ferguson during a medical negligence case nine years
But, unlike her encounter with Ferguson – who was merely a witness – she has the power to inflict severe damage on the reputation of Mourinho before he even begins work at United and compound fears within the club’s hierarchy about the wisdom of employing him.
If O’Rourke wins the case for Carneiro, Mourinho could also be ordered to pay damages to Chelsea’s former first-team doctor, although it appears certain the club have indemnified him against any personal liability.
It is not yet clear whether Mourinho will be ordered to attend next month’s hearing.
He was not present at two private preliminary hearings in January and March at which Carneiro and Chelsea failed to reach a settlement.
Presuming they do not do so before June 6, the rest of the case will be heard in public and could include the disclosure of emails and text messages.
Carneiro left Chelsea after being banished from the bench by Mourinho for treating Eden Hazard against Swansea City on the opening day of the season.
The Portuguese was cleared by the Football Association of using discriminatory language towards her the following month, a verdict she condemned.
Carneiro’s actions in treating Hazard otherwise received the universal backing of all relevant football authorities, while Mourinho’s treatment of her was condemned.
The Carneiro Saga
August 8
Mourinho criticises Carneiro
Jose Mourinho becomes incensed after Eva Carneiro runs onto the pitch to treat Eden Hazard as 10-man Chelsea hold on against Swansea City. "I wasn't happy with my medical staff because even if you are a medical doctor or secretary on the bench, you have to understand the game," said Mourinho "My medical department left me with eight fit outfield players in a counter attack after a set piece and we were worried we didn't have enough players left."August 10
Carneiro speaks for the first time
The Chelsea doctor responds to Mourinho's comments on Facebook, saying: "I would like to thank the general public for their overwhelming support. Really very much appreciated."September 18
Carneiro fails to report to work
Carneiro does not report for work despite being told to do so by the Chelsea hierarchy.September 23
Carneiro quits Chelsea
Carneiro decides against returning to Chelsea, instead quitting the club and preparing to fight for a significant pay-off.September 30
Mourinho is cleared by FA
Mourinho is cleared by the Football Association of sexist abuse, having strenuously denied any wrongdoing. The verdict sees Carneiro break her silence in an explosive statement in which the 42-year-old drew comparisons between the outcome of the case and the FA’s refusal to act over “vile, unacceptable, sexually-explicit abuse” she said she endured at a game at West Ham United the previous season.October 29
Carneiro launches legal action
Chelsea's failure to agree a severance package with Carneiro prompts her to pursue a claim for constructive dismissal at an employment tribunal.November 2
Carneiro decides to personally sue Mourinho
Carneiro serves papers on Mourinho, citing his banishing of her from the Chelsea bench as being instrumental in her departure.December 18
Chelsea launch formal defence against Carneiro
Chelsea lodge a formal defence against Carneiro's sex discrimination and constructive dismissal claim. The Premier League champions narrowly beat a deadline for responding to their former doctor’s legal action.January 6
Employment tribunal set to begin
Initial hearing at London South Employment Tribunal with Carneiro seeking reinstatement in her role as first-team doctor, damages for sex discrimination from Mourinho, as well as personal injury compensation and aggravated damages from the club.
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