Steve Rotheram, the mayor of Liverpool City Region, criticised the "excessive and grossly unfair punishment" meted out to Everton.
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Everton found guilty of financial breach Docked 10-points from their standings Liverpool Mayor offers support to EvertonGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
After a protracted legal battle, it was announced earlier today that the club had been found guilty of violating the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations. The Premier League appointed an independent commission to investigate Everton in March due to a suspected rule violation; nevertheless, the team denied any wrongdoing and said that they were "prepared to robustly defend" their stance. The team pledged to file an appeal after the league confirmed a 10-point punishment this morning. Rotherham, who supports Liverpool FC, has given the club a lot of support in doing so.
AdvertisementWHAT ROTHERHAM SAID
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rotherham said: "This is an excessive and grossly unfair punishment for a single charge – and makes a rod for the PL's back in future."
"I'll be supporting the club in their appeal and writing to the Premier League to ask them to rescind it."
"This is about fairness, not partisan rivalry."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The only other time a Premier League team has lost points for something unrelated to football was Portsmouth in the 2009–10 season as they lost nine points for going bankrupt during the campaign. Even though Everton has won four games this season, the instant points deduction drops them to 19th place in the Premier League with four points.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON?
Everton are set to take on Manchester United on November 26 as they look to collect maximum points at home.
