Soccer

Arsene Wenger - rules clear on medical staff entering the pitch

‘When the referee gives an indication that the medical (staff) can come on, they come on’

Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn leave the bench to treat Chelsea’s Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard. Photograph: Getty Images
Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn leave the bench to treat Chelsea’s Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard. Photograph: Getty Images
Fri Aug 14 2015 - 11:38

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes football clubs are stronger when they demonstrate unity on the bench and on the field in the wake of friction at Chelsea.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has found himself the subject of criticism following the controversy over club doctor Eva Carneiro.

Mourinho was visibly infuriated to see head physiotherapist Jon Fearn and first-team doctor Carneiro run on to the field to give midfielder Eden Hazard treatment during the closing stages of the 2-2 draw against Swansea at Stamford Bridge last weekend, when the Blues were already down to 10 men.

The Portuguese said afterwards that their ”impulsive and naive” decision raised the question of whether they understood the game and, since then, it’s believed Carneiro’s role at Chelsea is changing significantly.

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While remaining as first-team doctor, Carneiro will no longer be involved in matches and training sessions — a situation Fearn is also reported to find himself in.

The move has led to widespread criticism, with the Premier League Doctors’ Group expressing its concern over the ongoing situation and saying a reduction in Carneiro’s role would be ”unjust in the extreme”.

Wenger spoke to the media on Friday morning, ahead of Arsenal’s Sunday trip to Crystal Palace.

When asked for his thoughts on the relationship between a manager and medical staff, Wenger said: “It is a problem inside the club that if you are not united it is more difficult. It is the trust and unity that makes the strength.

“You know you speak about that story at Chelsea. First of all I have not followed that as you know I do not have great interest about what is going on at Chelsea.

“Secondly the rules are quite clear that when the referee gives an indication that the medical (staff) can come on, they come on. After that what happens specifically in the situation I don’t know, but the rules are quite clear. It is the referee who makes the decision.”

Mourinho is due to speak at 12.30pm on Friday as Chelsea have called a press conference to preview the trip to Manchester City.