In a fiery response to the Premier League’s decision to deduct Everton two points, former Liverpool star John Aldridge has condemned the move as “corrupt” and called for fairness in the handling of Manchester City’s alleged financial fair play breaches.
The controversy erupted on Monday (8 April) when Everton received their second deduction of the season for breaking the league’s profit and sustainability rules. This setback leaves them perilously close to the relegation zone, with only a two-point cushion. Meanwhile, Manchester City, facing allegations of 115 charges related to financial fair play, have yet to face any punishment.
Aldridge expressed his outrage in a statement, stating, “It’s a disgrace how Everton Football Club today again has been treated and Forest last week! No club should be reprimanded until Man City’s case has been finalized! It’s obvious that money talks, I’d even say it’s corrupt!”
The former footballer highlighted the glaring inconsistency in the league’s approach, arguing that no side should suffer “disgraceful” point deductions until Manchester City’s case is resolved. He criticized what he perceived as preferential treatment, asserting, “They are a brilliant team with a brilliant management but they are sitting in their luxury homes with slippers on and smoking cigars thinking come and get us if you can. Shocking the way the best league in the world has become folks!! Disgraceful.”