Everton: Henry Winter delivers ‘absolute nonsense’ verdict as accelerated PSR hearings mooted
Henry Winter thinks any Nottingham Forest appeal against their four-point deduction could be accelerated as it would be an “absolutely nonsense” for them and Everton to learn their respective fates after the Premier League season is finished.
The Tricky Trees found out their punishment for a breach of Profit and Sustainability rules on Monday, which is two fewer than Everton ultimately received – the Toffees having initially been hit with a 10-point punishment.
Forest do have the right to appeal against their ruling, while Everton are waiting to hear if they will lose any further points over a second breach in an increasingly complicated situation.
Winter, chief football writer for The Times, thinks any challenge Forest may make could be sped up in order to avoid any final rulings being made after the final round of Premier League fixtures on 19 May.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Monday (18 March, 3:30pm), Winter said: “It would make an absolute nonsense of it. The game should be decided on the pitch, it should be decided by players and managers, not by lawyers or off-the-pitch officials.
“I think they will accelerate this one. But the Everton appeal took time and there is still the other punishment for Everton to wade through, or be addressed. It would be absolute nonsense if it was decided after May 19th.”
Will Everton survive Premier League relegation this season?
The time being taken to come to conclusions over PSR punishments has been taking its toll on players, fans and staff alike, with the Goodison Park faithful still uncertain about their future.
Though the Toffees had their 10-point deduction reduced to six, a further punishment could still be handed out. However, the idea that the league positions could be decided after the season finishes is utterly ridiculous.
Sean Dyche’s side are currently sitting in 16th, three points above Luton Town and, now, four above Forest following their deduction.
Fans at Goodison Park remain hopeful that they can avoid relegation for the third successive season, but the lack of clarity cannot be helping at all, whether that be affecting the players or the atmosphere at home games.
Everton are without a victory since December, currently experiencing a run of 11 league matches without a win, which could be partially blamed on the FFP situation surrounding the club.
Obviously, Dyche will never use that as an excuse, with everyone knowing full well that his squad are capable of winning games, but it is certainly a factor in the battle to survive this season.
In other Everton news, there is pressure mounting as the Toffees’ financial future is in doubt amid a fresh takeover twist.
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