Everton Demand Apology From Defamatory
Mourinho
Everton have urged Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to retract his
comments about Andrew Johnson in the wake of Chelsea's 3-2 win at
Goodison Park.
In his post-match interviews, Mourinho implied Johnson had dived to
win a penalty although television replays suggested he had received
a shove in the back from Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz.
Mourinho branded the England striker untrustworthy following a
challenge with Chelsea keeper Hilario in the champions' win at
Goodison Park. Johnson's tumble in the box under Chelsea keeper
Hilario's challenge sparked a touchline row between Mourinho and
Everton counterpart David Moyes after the Chelsea boss made a
diving motion with his hands.
Mourinho said: "He's dangerous for opponents because you cannot
trust him, and I was not happy with that.
Everton issued a statement on the club's website www.evertonfc.com
on behalf of the club and Johnson's BaseSoccer representative
Anthony McFarlane, which read: "In the wake of Sunday's Premiership
game against Chelsea at Goodison Park we wish to jointly condemn
the post-match comments of Jose Mourinho relating to Andrew
Johnson.
"To publicly question the integrity of a player of Andrew's
professionalism and honesty is not only wholly unacceptable and
quite possibly defamatory but also, in our opinion, highly damaging
for both club and player.
"We would urge the footballing authorities to look closely at Mr
Mourinho's comments and then, perhaps, seek a formal
explanation.
"Both Everton Football Club and Andrew Johnson have always believed
in the virtues of fair play and we would ask Mr Mourinho to
immediately retract his allegations."
