Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has shared his insights on Everton’s recent 10-point deduction, emphasizing its significance as a potential precedent for the Premier League’s handling of financial breaches across clubs, particularly in light of pending cases involving Manchester City and Chelsea, writes the TBR.
In an article on CaughtOffside, Collymore discussed the league’s decision to penalize Everton for breaching profit and sustainability rules, leading them to slip to 19th place in the table. The Toffees reported losses of £124.5 million over a three-year period, surpassing the allowed maximum of £105 million.
Collymore believes that the Premier League’s choice to impose a 10-point deduction on Everton serves as a strong example, signaling their intention to fortify their position ahead of potential cases against other clubs, notably Manchester City. City faces over 100 alleged breaches of rules, with legal complexities delaying a final verdict.
“The Premier League are looking to shore up their defence against Manchester City. They know that City are going to be lawyered up to the hilt following 115 charges brought against them, so the Premier League needs to make sure they come armed with an example, and unfortunately for Everton, they’re it,” Collymore stated.
He sees Everton’s punishment as a baseline for potential future penalties, setting the standard with a 10-point deduction. While Collymore deems the punishment harsh for a £20 million deficit, he emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement of financial rules across all clubs.
Collymore expressed, “I have absolutely no problem with Everton being docked points. I think 10 is a bit harsh, but I wouldn’t have a problem with any team being docked points if they’d broken financial rules – and that includes Aston Villa, by the way.”
As Everton plans to appeal the decision, stating they are ‘both shocked and disappointed,’ Collymore’s observations shed light on the broader implications of the Premier League’s actions and the potential ramifications for clubs found in breach of financial regulations.