Everton: ‘Sensible’ judgment expected for second profit and sustainability charge – Henry Winter
Everton have more hope of an even-handed punishment for their second profit and sustainability charge, following their successful appeal of their first breach, according to Henry Winter.
Sean Dyche’s side have seen their 10-point deduction reduced to six points by an independent commission after their appeal, but that is only one of the two breaches the Premier League have levelled at the Toffees.
The second charge can now be heard by an independent commission following the conclusion of the appeal, but The Times’ chief football writer Winter expects the judgment to be more “sensible” on this occasion.
Writing on X on Monday (26 February) he said: “Absolutely right that Everton’s points deduction reduced from 10 to 6. Many within the game were expecting 6 points originally. Everton had a case to answer on PSR but interest payments on the stadium should have been allowable.
“10 points was clearly excessive, vindictive, inconsistent. You get only 9 points for insolvency. Delays in hearing Manchester City’s charges (they deny wrongdoing) simply revealed the PL as weak and too slow-moving.
“Everton still have another case to answer, but this sensible verdict from the appeal board gives them hope of a more even-handed judgement.”
Will Everton get a second point deduction?
Everton fans at the moment will just be delighted to hear that they have reduced their first deduction by four points, but the Toffees still have the looming threat of a second punishment hanging over their head currently.
The result of the appeal, however, should all but guarantee that Dyche’s side are deducted another six points for the second breach. While that is still disappointing it is a far cry from the 24 points the Premier League would have likely pushed for.
Everton are in a fight against relegation and every point could be crucial come the end of the season. While a second deduction would feel like an extra blow, in reality, it would be a far better fate than most expected.
Hopefully, Winter is right and the punishment and judgement for the second charge is much more sensible. Then Dyche can focus on matters on the pitch as he tries to keep the Toffees in the Premier League.
In other Everton news, the Premier League have been handed a “slap in the face” by the new independent commission
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