Everton and Nottingham Forest fiasco laid bare by Jason Burt as another charge mooted, ‘oh dear’
Jason Burt says the Premier League has left itself in a farcical situation with regards to the Everton and Nottingham Forest PSR charges.
Everton were docked a further two points on Monday (8 April), making it eight for the season, while Forest have been deducted four points.
Forest are appealing that decision, while Everton have the right to do likewise with their second charge, but they could yet be hit with a third one.
It makes for a messy situation, not helped by the fact that the Toffees’ appeal process may not conclude until after the season concludes.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph [9 April], Burt imagined a final-day scenario in which nobody knows who has actually been relegated.
“It has been another Super Sunday in the Premier League as both the title race and the relegation battle went down to the wire,” he wrote.
“High fives all around. Except, ahem. There is Everton’s appeal. The appeal has to be heard by May 24 – five days later. And Everton win!
“Their punishment is reduced by a point and it is poor Luton who go down on goal difference. But, hang on, there is the third charge for Everton remember.
“What about that? When will that be heard? Will it apply retrospectively or for the following season?
“Oh dear. And that is without mentioning Nottingham Forest and their four-point punishment and their appeal.”
Could Everton be hit with a further points deduction?
Quite frankly, anything is possible with regards to the Premier League and these comical PSR verdicts. It really is a case of making it up as they go along.
Everton have been deducted 10 points, reduced to six on appeal, and then a further two points. Forest, meanwhile, were docked four points. There just seems to be no method to the madness.
We have known for a while now but it is looking quite apparent that the Premier League season will not actually conclude on 18 May as planned.
Like cautiously celebrating a goal that will be scrutinised by VAR, supporters dare not celebrate their side staying in the Premier League on the final day.
Instead, it may well be that the final relegation spot is determined by what happens elsewhere when an independent panel delivers its verdict. How about that for “integrity”?
In other Everton news, a journalist has shared an “incredible” moment supporters were involved in against Burnley.
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