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Paul Brown ‘not entirely surprised’ by Everton points deduction as ‘chink of light’ verdict shared
Everton taking the decision to appeal their 10-point deduction is a “chink of light,” according to journalist Paul Brown.
The Merseyside outfit were docked 10 points on Friday (17 November) for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules.
However, as per the official Everton website (17 November), the Toffees will appeal the sanction, with the case to be heard by an appeal board.
“I wasn’t entirely surprised they were punished,” Brown told GIVEMESPORT. “It seemed a pretty clear-cut case and it seemed there was an appetite at the Premier League as well because they’re under pressure to show that they can self-regulate. It seemed pretty likely that Everton would be punished in some way.
“I was expecting a points deduction. I was surprised that it was 10, but you do have to remember that the Premier League had pushed for 12. So the panel did actually refuse the full penalty that the Premier League were looking for.
“But as I say, I do think there’s a chink of light here, it will go to appeal. Everton can’t really appeal against the decision itself in terms of their guilt because they’ve already accepted guilt here. But they will appeal on the strength of the sanction which I think many people feel is unfair and disproportionate.”
Harsh?
Everton have been going strong in the Premier League lately, with Sean Dyche recently orchestrating impressive victories against the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace.
They both came away from home, with the Toffees also picking up a point in a hard-fought meeting with Brighton at Goodison Park.
Those results helped the Merseyside club climb away from the dreaded relegation zone and up to 14th in the Premier League table.
But now they have plummeted back down the standings, with the 10-point deduction taking place with immediate effect.
It means they drop to 19th place, level on four points with bottom-of-the-table Burnley, with only goal difference keeping Everton off rock bottom.
Dyche and his players must now stay positive as they look to once again distance themselves from the clubs struggling at the bottom end of the table.
The first chance to do just that comes against Manchester United, who travel to Goodison Park on Sunday (26 November).
In other Everton news, Kaveh Solhekol has made a Toffees Premier League relegation prediction on Sky Sports following their 10-point deduction.