Doctors demand safeguards for treating players on pitch

The Premier League Doctors’ Group has said safeguards need to be in place for team doctors treating players on the pitch following Eva Carneiro’s departure from Chelsea.

Carneiro has parted company with Chelsea in the wake of the incident on the opening day of the season when she was criticised by manager Jose Mourinho for going on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard. She was removed from first-team duties and it is understood to be likely that she will launch a claim for constructive dismissal.

Dr Mark Gillett, chair of the Premier League Doctors’ Group, said her departure had been greeted with sadness and regret by her colleagues, and that the incident highlighted the need for safeguards and clarification of the role.