Richard Keys rages over Premier League ‘leak’ as Everton punished, details only hope for Manchester City
Richard Keys has hit out at news Everton are being deducted 10 points for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules.
It was reported that the Premier League recommended a 12-point hit for the Toffees if they were to be found guilty of breaking profit and sustainability guidelines [Telegraph].
However, it was confirmed on Friday (17 November) that the Merseyside club will be stripped of 10 points and sent into the Premier League’s relegation zone.
Everton are going to appeal against the independent commission’s decision.
Former Sky Sports anchor Keys has slammed that turn of events and has also shared a story by The Athletic from 22 September, suggesting that Manchester City are only going to avoid a massive punishment if something happens at government level.
“Classic,” said Keys via his personal X account on Friday (17 November). “Leak a possible 12-point deduction but announce it’s 10. Is that supposed to make Evertonians feel better?
“This is City’s only hope now – a back-door carve up at govt level.
It’s not even that bad
If Everton could choose a season to be deducted points in, it would be this one.
Sean Dyche’s men were in a brilliant vein of form before the international break so it was always expected that even if a 12-point deduction came, it wouldn’t be enough to relegate the Blues.
Everton are 19th in the Premier League but are only one win away from going up to 17th, above Luton and Sheffield United.
It’s not as simple as saying they’re just one win away from safety because that’s not how it works when they don’t have any games in hand. But we’re only in mid-November – of course, they’re going to get more points than Luton, Sheffield United and Burnley, who have all been tragically bad this season.
As for Man City, that’s the one we need to watch out for.
Everton’s punishment has set a precedent and the charges against Man City are far worse than what the Toffees did.
In other Everton news, the state of play at Manchester City has been detailed amid the news at Goodison Park.