Everton’s points deduction has been a point of immense contention in recent weeks, with the Merseyside outfit making their impassioned feelings on the matter vocal.
Whether it be through banners, flags or aeroplanes, they were going to get their message across to the Premier League.
Although an appeal process still rumbles on, with the likelihood of success questioned at every turn, Sky Sports sought to offer some pre-match coverage of their endeavour on Sunday.
Their ten-point deduction marked the harshest in the history of the division, even surpassing that of Portsmouth’s nine-point docking for entering administration in 2010.
However, what is more worrying is the potential compensation that some of their rivals might seek to claim.
With Gary Neville and other pundits handing their opinions on the matter, reporter Peter Stevenson sought to give only the facts, and would tell Sky Sports: ‘That’s when it starts to get a little bit complicated and a little bit messy. Four or five clubs who’ve been who’ve been relegated while Everton have survived in the last couple of seasons, they’re the ones involved in this perceived action.
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‘But again, a lot of speculation, it’s a legal minefield and if we’re talking about clubs putting in say a £100m claim for damages, that’s the sort of claim that could push Everton into administration and a further nine points.
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‘We’re nowhere near that scenario at the moment, asked at Burnley on Friday whether that was a possibility, completely blank wall. They won’t say and there’s no suggestion at this stage that they are but we’ll have to wait and see on that one.’
Why are clubs trying to sue Everton?
Having only been punished now, it is clear that this is easily the best year for Everton to have been handed such a severe punishment.
Losing ten points last season, or the term before, would have seen them relegated with ease.
Everton FC v Manchester United – Premier League
It is just fortunate that this campaign, the weakness of Sheffield United, Luton Town and Burnley have handed Sean Dyche’s men a chance, even if they are currently five points adrift.
Five clubs emerged as potential claimants who might seek to sue the Toffees, all of whom have suffered relegation in recent years or at the very least endured a period in the Championship.
The Daily Mail sought to outline them, with Leeds United headlining a list boasting Leicester City, Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Southampton.
Whilst some may well have a claim, given the Foxes would have survived had the points deduction been administered last campaign, that is a rule that cannot apply to all.
It feels like these five are seeking to prey on the already downtrodden, and the hope will be that a successful appeal can see them all shoved aside, left embarrassed by their actions during such a tough time.
