QUOTE
Everton have reacted angrily to charges from Jose Mourinho that Goodison Park striker Andrew Johnson dived during Sunday's Premiership clash between the teams and insisted he withdraw his comments.
After watching his side hit back with two late goals to win 3-2, the outspoken Portuguese coach said that Johnson had dived to win a penalty although television replays suggested he had received a shove in the back from Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz.
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."
After watching his side hit back with two late goals to win 3-2, the outspoken Portuguese coach said that Johnson had dived to win a penalty although television replays suggested he had received a shove in the back from Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz.
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."
