Everton points deduction fallout has left the Premier League devastated, reeling and embarrassed
This weekend’s hard-hitting Royal Blue column sees Joe Thomas explain why the Premier League has already lost its battle with Everton – regardless of what happens over the club’s points deduction appeal
The Premier League has lost its battle with Everton regardless of how the coming weeks unfold. From the backlash of supporters to the political scrutiny that has devastated league chiefs, the handling of the case against the Blues has only exposed its own deficiencies.
What happens next for Everton is unclear – this could be a fight in which both sides lose. But the writing is on the wall for the Premier League whatever happens. Its apparent attempt to prove its own strength and legitimacy has instead only served as evidence of just how incapable the Premier League is at self-governance. Independent regulation is unavoidable.
News of the Blues’ penalty shocked the world of football when the punishment was announced in November. Greater than any points deduction handed out in the history of English top-flight football, it plunged a club that was beginning to make sustainable progress into a third consecutive relegation fight and into the clutches of numerous subsequent secondary punishments even if Sean Dyche can pull his team to survival. A sanction intended to encourage financial responsibility will only hinder Everton’s movement towards that goal – a contradiction that only highlights the issues in how this case has been handled.
