29 February 2024 , 12:44
1215
0
Arsenal legend Ian Wright feels that Everton's partially successful appeal against their 10-point deduction sets a concerning precedent in Manchester City's legal battle with the Premier League.
It was announced on Monday that Everton's punishment had been reduced from 10 points to six, with Sean Dyche's side now five clear of the relegation zone. The Toffees' sanction came following breaches of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) which state that clubs must not lose more than £105million over a three-year period.
Everton appealed their punishment on nine grounds, each of those being related to the punishment rather than the rule breach, which the club have admitted after losing £124.5m between 2019 to 2022. Seven of those nine were dismissed but two were upheld after the board agreed that the independent commission had made legal errors.
Meanwhile, reigning champions City remain under investigation for 115 breaches of PSR over a nine-year period stretching from 2009 - the year the club was purchased by Sheikh Mansour - and 2018 - their 100-point Premier League campaign. City's punishment, if any, is yet to be determined and Wright is concerned about the independent commission's credentials after mistakes with Everton.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: "Don't you think, if that's the case - remember the Premier League made a mistake on two of the charges - if you've got people who are doing that job, and they've got nine to look over or whatever it is, and they get them wrong to the point where they've got to give points back - what are Manchester City's lawyers going to do to people like this? They are going to have them dancing!
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Your turn! Do you agree with Ian Wright? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
Everton's points deduction has been reduced from 10 to six (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)"It's ridiculous how they can get that wrong. What I think they should have done, personally what should have happened is, they should do what they are doing, 'Right, we are fining you, you are going to get 10 points'.
"And then they [Everton] say, 'Right, we are going to appeal', let them appeal, then we find out what's going to happen after the appeal, then you do the judgement. How are you going to do it before? Because now, you get into this embarrassing situation."
Everton are also facing a second disciplinary hearing for further breaches, with an outcome expected by Monday, April 8.