The Premier League docked 10 points from the Toffees, which were subsequently reduced to six on appeal, for violating PSR regulations, despite the fact that it was determined that they received no sporting benefit by doing so.

During a live appearance on TNT Sports as a commentator before the game (9 March, 12:05pm), Rooney was asked about his experiences at Derby and said that he spoke with Everton personnel to understand their feelings.

“It’s very difficult not just for the fans obviously for the players but for the staff who work for the football club behind the scenes,” he added.

“I know several Everton employees who are fans of the team and become depressed or irritated. It’s quite tough for them to absorb.

“For the players, you’re going out there and doing your job; you’re going to play football games. But for everyone else, it’s quite difficult.”

Everton were given an unfair penalty.

Even if the sentence was lowered to six points on appeal, it’s difficult to understand how a sports penalty for a rule violation that provided no sporting benefit makes sense.

Everton has been operated poorly financially for years, and Farhad Moshiri has been forced to leave Merseyside as a result.

However, such rule violations are the result of his and the board’s actions, not anything that occurred on the field.