Everton: Outrageous message sent after appeal news from Premier League

Oliver Holt considers the Premier League’s recent amendment to be a positive move, but he still thinks the original decision to deduct 10 points from Everton was “incredibly harsh.”

Although it might have a good effect on other people’s extravagant expenditure, the independent panel’s decision to lower the Toffees’ 10-point deduction to six points appears to agree with Holt.

As a result of the decision, Everton has shot up the Premier League standings, rising from 17th place, one point above Luton Town in the relegation zone, to 15th place, above Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

In a Tuesday article for the Daily Mail [27 February, page 63], Holt stated: “Everton’s initial deduction for violating spending regulations was absurdly severe.

It definitely felt like a punishment meant to inspire others. Although others’ extravagant spending may have decreased as a result, that does not excuse the fact that it was incredibly unfair.

“The Premier League’s appeals board’s decision to reduce the ban by four points, which was made public yesterday, is a positive step and a testament to the well-reasoned arguments Everton presented in their defense.”

Following a Premier League appeal, Everton’s deduction was lowered to four points.
After much waiting to hear from the impartial panel, the right choice has finally been made. Although there have been several reports of deadlines being missed in February, supporters will be relieved that the appeal has been granted.

In the history of the Premier League, only two teams have received point deductions that were not overturned. The teams that will suffer this fate are Middlesbrough and Portsmouth, with the latter showing how severe Everton’s initial punishment actually was.

Pompey lost nine points for going into administration due to debts totaling £65 million. This resulted in their expulsion from the top division and their continued absence; this was a considerably more serious violation of the rules than what the Toffees faced.

With Everton now able to concentrate on avoiding relegation for a third straight season without a massive dark cloud hanging over Goodison Park, six points seems like a lot more equitable result.

Having surpassed Brentford and Nottingham Forest to take 15th position, Sean Dyche will be hoping his team can their first triumph in nine games; they had last triumphed in a league match in December at Burnley.