Guardian journalist: Andy Burnham claim against Premier League ‘hugely strengthens’ Everton appeal decision
Everton will be massively boosted in their appeal against the Premier League if a claim made by Andy Burnham is true, according to The Guardian’s Barney Ronay.
In a letter written to the chair of the Premier League on Sunday (26 November), Alison Brittain, the Mayor of Greater Manchester accused the organisation of “regulatory malpractice” for seeking to introduce a sanctions policy specific to Everton’s case midway through the disciplinary process.
Burnham has asked for certain documents to be made public, and argues that the 10-point deduction imposed on the Toffees should now be “null and void”.
In response to the letter, Ronay posted on his personal Twitter page [26 November]: “Good points in here.
“If the papers burnham has asked for exist, showing the PL discussed Everton’s penalty in light of fear of regulation, then hugely strengthens appeal v penalty.”
Flawed process
If you thought this case was messy before, then it could soon be about to get even messier.
Everton have already stated they intend to appeal the Premier League points deduction – a record across the competition’s three-decade existence – and they appear to have strong grounds to do so.
As Burnham stated, those investigating the case appeared to effectively make things up as they went along, before settling on a figure of 10 in terms of the eventual points deduction.
No Everton supporter is denying that the club breached rules – it is there in writing for all to see in the accounts – but the process itself is flawed.
Whether Everton chiefs are looking to overturn the full 10-point deduction, or perhaps just knock it down to, say, five points, their case may well be strengthened.
This is one to keep a close eye on ahead of the appeal being formally lodged.
In other Everton news, “incredible” footage has emerged of the fan protests prior to the loss against Manchester United.