Two-point deduction for Toffees as Forest wait for appeal verdict
CONFIRMATION of a two-point deduction for Everton’s second breach of financial regulations changes little for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table.
But what impact will it have on the Reds’ appeal against their own sanction for breaking Profitability and Sustainability Rules? It is tough to say – and that is part of the problem with the system.
Both Forest and the Toffees have said as much in statements addressing their sanctions, pointing to inconsistency in decisions. Is anyone clear about how it all works? Most fans probably aren’t.
When the Reds were docked four points for their PSR breach, the club said: “That the Premier League sought a sanction of eight points as a starting point was utterly disproportionate when compared to the nine points that their own rules prescribe for insolvency. We were also surprised that the Premier League gave no consideration at all to the unique circumstances of the Club and its mitigation.”
After their second points deduction of the season, Everton said: “Everton remains committed to working collaboratively with the League on all matters relating to PSR but is extremely concerned by the inconsistency of different commissions in respect of points deductions applied.”
Forest may well be hopeful that their appeal can be successful. Everton have said they plan to challenge their latest punishment, too, having already had a 10-point deduction earlier in the season reduced to six on appeal.
Aside from the inconsistency, the big issue surrounding the whole situation is how messy it is. With both the Reds and the Toffees appealing, the saga could drag on for some time yet – potentially beyond the end of the campaign.
The May 24 backstop date for sorting out both cases put in place by the Premier League looks as though it could be pushed to the limit. The uncertainty doesn’t just have repercussions for the clubs concerned but also the others involved in the battle for survival.
The two points taken off Everton sees them drop one place to 16th, two points above the relegation zone. They are two points ahead of Forest, who are out of the bottom three on goal difference.
Whatever happens off the pitch, the Reds’ fate remains in their own hands. The PSR chaos only underlines the importance of Nuno Espirito Santo’s men focusing on what they can control and taking points in some crucial games coming up – not least the one at Goodison Park later this month.