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A former soccer player who nearly lost his life when he collapsed during a match has slammed Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho’s decision to banish doctor Eva Carneiro from the team’s bench for helping an injured playing against the manager’s wishes.
Fabrice Muamba, who retired after he suffered cardiac arrest during a televised F.A. Cup game in 2012, said that the move could have dangerous consequences in the future.
Earlier this month, after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Swansea, Mourinho lashed out at Carneiro and physiotherapist Jon Fearn when the pair ran onto the field to treat Eden Hazard, who appeared injured.
His rage, according to The Independent, was because receiving treatment forced Hazard to withdraw from the next phase of the game.
Despite the fact that the referee had signalled for the pair to come onto the pitch, and as doctors, the pair had certain professional codes to honor, Mourinho said their actions were “impulsive an naive,” showing that they did not “understand the game.”
Players a doctors gather around Fabrice Muamba, who had collapsed following a cardiac arrest.
“Player safety is key, a player’s life is important. Once a player is injured, the doctor and physio both have a duty to come on,” Muamba told the Sun.
“That is something that Jose should be able to understand. Health and safety is very important. That’s why you need a clear understanding of what is required.”
Last week, after Carneiro was told that she would no longer serve as the matchday doctor and would no longer work with the team during training sessions, other medical professionals rushed to defend her, pointing out she was following the General Medical Council oath to “take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised.”
Carneiro, one of the very few women involved in British soccer’s top flight, has been subjected to appalling sexism in the game, with Manchester United fans slammed for hurling abuse at her during a game earlier this year.
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