West Ham United boss David Moyes questions ‘unfair’ Everton points appeal decision
David Moyes believes the second PSR punishment Everton are facing, and likely subsequent appeal, is “unfair” on other Premier League teams.
The Toffees recently had four points of the 10 deducted earlier this season reinstated, but a further punishment may be about to follow.
Everton and Nottingham Forest are waiting to hear back from the Premier League after being charged with breaching financial rules.
Should either club be docked points and lodge an appeal, it is expected that a final decision will not be made until a week after the season ends.
Speaking ahead of West Ham’s trip to Goodison Park on Saturday (2 March), as per The Standard [1 March], Moyes said: “It’s unfair to not give the clubs who could stay up a chance to do so. I think it would be wrong if it was after the season.
“If you’re a club that is relegated, you go down, would you be happy to get the shout to say you’re back in the Premier League? Of course you would. But I just don’t know if it’s quite correct.
“What’s more disappointing is that a panel of some of the top QCs have probably sat and got [Everton’s initial punishment] wrong in some way. It’s a bit like if anybody goes to court, you’re hoping that the people in charge will do their job right.
“The first panel’s said it’s ten points, the second panel’s said no, there should be a reduction. I’m not an expert, I don’t know how they’ve got to the points but we shouldn’t be getting it wrong.
“It was the feeling right away when it came out that everybody thought this might change. That meant Everton must’ve had a good enough case to say why it’s unfair. You’d have thought the panel would have considered that when they were dealing with it.”
Everton, Nottingham Forest awaiting PSR breach punishment
Everton have at least had some clarity with regards to the first points deduction, but this second charge ensures the Premier League table still does not tell the entire story.
It is widely considered that the Toffees and Forest will be docked points of some sort, and the pair will almost certain decide to appeal that decision as it is basically a free hit.
That means the standings after a ball has been kicked for a final time this season may not actually be the way it still looks a week or so later.
An Everton corner flag at Goodison Park
Everton are waiting to hear back on their second PSR charge
From West Ham’s perspective, it makes zero difference as they are not even close to being in a relegation scrap.
However, for the likes of Brentford, plus possibly Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, they could face an anxious wait along with Everton and Forest.
It may be unfair, but so to was the way the Premier League went about punishing Everton the first time around. Hopefully, a bit of common sense is shown this time around.
