LONDON: Lawyers acting for the former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro have served notice of a claim of constructive dismissal against the Premier League champions.

Carneiro was dropped from first-team duties after boss Jose Mourinho said she was “naive” for treating Eden Hazard during a draw with Swansea.

Mourinho’s stance has drawn widespread criticism but he was cleared of using discriminatory language by the Football Association.

The governing body came to that conclusion after consulting a language expert but its handling of the case has been criticised by the Women in Football network group and FA independent director Heather Rabbatts.

The FA and Carneiro disagreed whether she was given a chance to contribute to the investigation, with the 42-year-old saying she was “at no stage requested by the FA to make a statement”.

However, the FA said she was given an opportunity.

Chelsea have previously said they cannot comment on internal staffing matters. A settlement is likely ahead of an employment tribunal hearing which would be held in public.

The Press Association has reported that Carneiro’s lawyers served the papers after failing to agree a settlement with Chelsea.

The initial incident occurred on August 8, the opening day of the Premier League season when Carneiro and head physio John Fearn were indicated on to the pitch by the referee in the closing stages of a 2-2 draw with Swansea to treat midfielder Hazard.

Chelsea were already down to 10 men after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had been sent off.

Mourinho was upset that the on-pitch treatment meant Hazard would have to leave the field temporarily, bringing Chelsea down to nine men.

##########