Everton points deduction appeal: ‘Big feeling’ that verdict still over a week away – Alan Myers
Alan Myers has called on the appeals commission to reach a decision for the sake of Everton and others clubs.
The Sky Sports journalist took to Twitter on 20 February, the morning after the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace to denounce how clubs and fans being in the dark was “affecting all concerned”, although he said it was “not an excuse” for the performance at Goodison Park.
He continues to predict a ruling will be announced within the next few days, but admits there is a “big feeling” elsewhere that it will be closer to the end of the month before a verdict emerges.
Myers wrote: “The appeals commission really need to come to a decision, not only for Everton’s sake but for a number of clubs and their fans. Teams cannot keep playing, not knowing where they stand in the league, it’s not an excuse for poor performance but it is affecting all concerned.
“I’m still guessing Thursday or Friday big feeling is it could be end of the month.”
Everton appeals verdict wait goes on
The hearing panel will of course point to due process, and given the importance of the decision it would be far more damaging for it to be rushed.
But it is also anything but ideal for the season to be playing out in a state of limbo where results don’t really mean anything, and only invites suspicion over what is taking so long.
James Garner has admitted the situation is playing on his mind [Guardian, 20 February], so while it can’t fully excuse the Everton form falling away since early December it must be having an effect.
A point at home to a Palace side under a caretaker manager feels poor when it only scrapes the Toffees out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but if they are to get points returned as has been predicted it perhaps isn’t so bad.
If it is another 10 days or so before an answer arrives it prolongs the discomfort for the fanbase, but at least only encompasses one more game – the 24 February trip to Brighton.
But even once an announcement does come there is still the ongoing wait for a decision on the 777 Partners takeover, which was agreed with Farhad Moshiri back in September, so the complete lack of certainty around the club continues.
In other Everton news, Richard Keys and Andy Gray have torn apart one player for his struggles at Goodison Park.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.