Eva Carneiro: Ex-Chelsea FC doctor demands public apology from former boss Jose Mourinho

Former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro has demanded Jose Mourinho issue a public apology as part of a settlement in her employment case. Carneiro arrived on Monday morning (7 March) to a private tribunal hearing in south London for a last-ditch attempt by both sides to reach an agreement.

The 42-year-old, who became a familiar face on the Chelsea bench, is suing the Premier League champions for constructive dismissal and breach of contract. Her lawyers have also launched a separate but related legal claim against former Chelsea manager Mourinho for alleged discrimination.

Carneiro was dropped from first-team duties in August 2015 after she and physio Jon Fearn ran on to the pitch during Chelsea's first match of the season against Swansea to treat star player Eden Hazard. Mourinho was furious with the pair as the decision meant Chelsea temporarily went down to nine men. The match – which ended in a 2-2 draw – saw Mourinho subsequently brand his medical staff "impulsive and naive".

Carneiro, who resigned from Chelsea the following month in September, arrived at London South Employment Tribunal in Croydon flanked by her legal team and husband Jason De Carteret. Mourinho, who was sacked from Chelsea in December after a string of poor results, did not personally attend but representatives for his former club were present.

The private session, heard in front of a judge, will see if a settlement can be reached between the sides to avoid a potentially embarrassing public hearing in June.

Carneiro's lawyer, Mary O'Rourke QC, told ITV News: "We're not expecting a resolution today. The two sides are so far apart financially. And we want Mr Mourinho to make a public apology."

Carneiro is said to be claiming "substantial damages". Should a settlement not be reached, the case is scheduled to proceed to an employment tribunal which would be heard in public on 6 June.

It would likely see texts, emails, witness statements and other documents made public, risking further embarrassment for all parties involved. The case could be particularly troublesome for Mourinho, who has been tipped to take over as manager of Manchester United in the summer. It could see the ex-Chelsea boss called as a witness or face a possible £1,000 fine.

Mourinho had been cleared of using discriminatory language towards Carneiro by the Football Association in September. Carneiro criticised the FA's investigation, however, revealing she wasn't even asked to give evidence.