SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Gutierrez wins discrimination case against Newcastle

LONDON (Reuters) - Former Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez was dropped by the Premier League club because of his cancer diagnosis, an employment tribunal found on Thursday.

Gutierrez wins discrimination case against Newcastle
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

The 32-year-old Argentina international is suing Newcastle for about two million pounds ($2.8 million) on the grounds of disability discrimination.

The club also made it impossible for Gutierrez to play enough matches to get an extended contract, the tribunal found.

"Just over two weeks after the claimant returned to the club in November 2013 following his diagnosis and treatment, and at a point when he was match fit and returning to action, he was told he no longer featured in the club's future plans," the tribunal ruled.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"We conclude the decision to drop the claimant was because of the claimant's cancer."

The tribunal dismissed claims of unfavourable treatment and harassment related to disability.

Gutierrez, who joined Newcastle from Real Mallorca in 2008, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2013.

He made nearly 200 appearances for the club, who are second from bottom in the league and in serious danger of relegation, before leaving last year to join Spanish team Deportivo La Coruna.

"Thanks Newcastle fans for your support. I love the city. I hope WE stay up," Gutierrez said on Twitter.

(Reporting by Ed Osmond; Editing by Tony Jimenez)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world