Jim White shares ‘more bad news’ at Everton live on talkSPORT
Jim White has shared the “bad news” Everton have received after being hit with a second points deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The Toffees were docked two points on 8 April, dropping one place in the table to 16th as a result.
Finance expert Kieran Maguire has also reacted to the news, slamming a “lack of consistency” by the Premier League with regard to the scale of their punishments in relation to the scale of the breach.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on 9 April, White said: “Everton got more bad news yesterday. They were ready for it, they were expecting it.
“Deducted two further points for a second breach of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. They’ve been docked two points for admitting [to] breaking spending rules by £16.6million for the three-year period up to June 2023.
The latest punishment sees them drop to 16th in the table on 27 points and now you kind of think – survival. Will they be able to survive in the Premier League?
“Now, FFP expert Kieran Maguire, he cited a lack of consistency on the punishments being handed out – exactly like the one yesterday to Everton.”
Maguire then said: “The Premier League initially wanted a 10-point deduction for Everton’s first case, when Everton were £19m over the limit.
“They then wanted an eight-point deduction in respect of Nottingham Forest for going £34m over the limit. And they wanted, I think, a seven-point deduction in this next case when Everton were £16m over the limit.
“So you put those into any form of spreadsheet and you go, ‘It’s completely baffling, there’s a lack of consistency, there’s a lack of guidance I think, coming from Premier League itself as to what its members are expected to be able to do, and you can understand why Everton are so upset.'”
Everton understandably aggrieved
Maguire’s summary of the Premier League’s responses to the cases involving Everton and Nottingham Forest certainly paints a picture of inconsistency.
The competition’s punishments certainly appear disproportionate in relation to the numbers – and that is without considering the many charges still hanging over Manchester City, who still seem some way from receiving sanctions of any kind.
The Toffees sit two places and two points above the relegation zone after their deductions – eight points which would have them in 14th, rather than 16th, with 10-point cushion between them and the bottom three with a game in hand on Nottingham Forest, Luton Town and Burnley in 17th, 18th and 19th, respectively.
As it is, the task facing Sean Dyche and his men is considerably more precarious – especially given the off-field drama regarding a potential takeover – but certainly not insurmountable.
Their next match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is a tricky test, but Dyche will hope that the 1-0 victory achieved over 10-man Burnley can act as a platform from which Everton can begin to build some momentum.
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