By Mike Collett

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho apologised on Wednesday for comments he made about Everton striker Andy Johnson at the weekend when he accused the England international of diving.

His apology comes a day after Everton said they would ask the Football Association and Premier League to investigate the remarks he made in a television interview after Chelsea's 3-2 win at Everton on Sunday when he labelled Johnson a diver.

In a statement on Chelsea's Web site, (www.chelseafc.com), Mourinho said he never used the word cheat and apologised to Johnson, Everton and their manager David Moyes.

"First, I have the utmost respect for Everton Football Club, David Moyes and their players. That's why I love to play them, and especially at Goodison Park where the atmosphere is magnificent.

"Secondly, after the match I was clear and said Andy Johnson is a great player and I never used aggressive words like some managers did against my players in previous seasons, or like some others said recently about him and (Manchester United's Cristiano) Ronaldo. I never used the word cheat.

"After seeing it again on the video, Mr Halsey (the referee) did wonderful work and both decisions for penalties were correct. Did Andy Johnson try to avoid a collision with my goalkeeper? It seems now the answer to that is yes so Everton, his manager and he deserve my apologies."

The incident that sparked Mourinho's ire occurred when Johnson went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Khalid Boulahrouz, leaping over goalkeeper Hilario as he fell.

The referee did not give a penalty for that incident, but did award a spot kick later from which Everton took the lead.

Mourinho waved an imaginary card at Johnson after the first incident and said afterwards: "I think he should be embarrassed. A great player, but too much of that (diving). He also said Johnson was a "dangerous player" adding: "You cannot trust him."

The matter is being review by the FA.