Everton ask FA, Premier League to investigate Mourinho

LONDON, Dec 18 (Reuters) Everton today issued a statement asking the FA and the Premier League to investigate comments by Jose Mourinho in which the Chelsea manager labelled England striker Andrew Johnson a diver.

''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,'' a statement said on Everton's Web site (www.evertonfc.com).

''We would urge the footballing authorities to look closely at Mr Mourinho's comments and then, perhaps, seek a formal explanation... we would ask Mr Mourinho to immediately retract his allegations.'' Mourinho thought Johnson had dived to try to win a penalty during the first half of Chelsea's 3-2 win at Everton yesterday.

A penalty was not awarded and television replays were inconclusive, showing Johnson being pushed slightly by Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz before hurdling keeper Hilario.

Everton did make the breakthrough from the penalty spot nine minutes before halftime after Boulahrouz hauled down Victor Anichebe.

REUTERS PM HT1802