Everton increased points deduction verdict emerges as Nottingham Forest to influence appeal
Everton are unlikely to withdraw their second points deduction appeal without seeing the outcome of Nottingham Forest’s own appeal first, according to Alan Myers.
The Sky Sports journalist responded to a series of questions from fans via Twitter on 29 April after reporting that the Toffees appeal is set to be heard at the start of the final week of the season (week commencing 13 May), insisting that the outcome at Forest, which he indicated should come “any day now”, would likely be a “significant indicator” of what will happen at Goodison Park.
And with supporters concerned that the second points deduction could be increased from two points by the appeals board, potentially threatening the Premier League safety secured with the 1-0 victory over Brentford at the weekend, Myers said it was “highly unlikely” that such an outcome would materialise.
Everton previously had their first deduction reduced from 10 to six on an appeal argued by Laurence Rabinowitz, while Nottingham Forest were deducted four points for their own profit and sustainability breach subject to appeal.
Everton unlikely to be hit by increased points deduction
Off the back of Sean Dyche leading the Toffees to four wins in five the club are now 11 points from danger so it would take a hugely negative appeal decision and a major turnaround in from to threaten top flight status.
Burnley, Forest and Luton appear to now be battling it out to avoid joining Sheffield United in the Championship next season.
It is largely now seen as a no-lose situation with the appeals not expected to run the risk of further punishment this season, and even some highly-unusual points return scenarios.
But while the door technically remains open to a draconian reaction from the appeals board Evertonians might be excused for feeling slightly uncertain.
However, even by the standards of the entire saga to date it would be a shock for Everton to be punished further at this stage, although there is still the threat of a new sanction during the summer.
Relatively speaking the final three games of the campaign should have the pressure off at last, with fans potentially able to enjoy the football without fear of what is riding on it, even if the off-field takeover and related financial concerns continue to rumble on in the background.
In other Everton news, a Toffees shareholder has called for an outcome similar to what has been seen at Manchester United to overcome the 777 takeover stand off.
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