Angry Toffees demand action
18 Dec 2006 - 11:54:29
Everton have urged the FA and Premier League to act over comments made by Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea boss accused Toffees striker Andrew Johnson of diving in Sunday's controversial 3-2 victory at Goodison Park.
Mourinho questioned the honesty of the England striker after he went down in a first-half incident with Chelsea goalkeeper Henrique Hilario.
Television replays suggested Johnson jumped over the advancing keeper to avoid a collision, but after the match Mourinho remained highly critical of the striker's actions.
The Blues boss said: "He's dangerous for opponents because you cannot trust him, and I was not happy with that.
"I've been in this country for three years now and I am influenced by your culture. It is a country I admire, I am proud to be part of it.
"In my country we call them 'intelligent' players. In other countries you can use different words and are critical."
After the match, Everton manager David Moyes slammed Mourinho for his comments and a statement on the club's official website has called for the authorities to take action.
"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."