Everton skipper Phil Neville has come out in support of
team-mate Andy Johnson after the striker was accused of diving by
Jose Mourinho on Sunday.
Johnson was the subject of criticism from the Chelsea boss after an
incident in The Blues' 3-2 win at the weekend, with Mourinho
branding him 'untrustworthy' after jumping over a challenge from
Hilario.
The Merseyside club issued a joint statement with Johnson's agent
on Monday urging the Football Association to investigate the
comments stemming from Stamford Bridge, with Everton concerned that
their player's name is being unfairly blackened.
Now Neville has backed Johnson in the row which could reportedly
lead to legal action if Mourinho refuses to retract his
comments.
"Jose Mourinho's got no right to say things like that about our
player because Andy Johnson doesn't go down easily in the area,"
said Neville in The Sun.
"Mourinho has got a fantastic team there and he should leave
everything concerned with Everton to our manager and
chairman.
"Maybe he should have a look at the incident on video, then have a
look at himself in the mirror.
"It's not the first time he has said something like that and it's
probably the reason Andy Johnson isn't getting penalties now.
"People like Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are coming out and
having a go at our players when it has got nothing to do with them.
They should concentrate on their own teams."