Everton Fans Rally in Protest Amidst Unprecedented 10-Point Deduction Over Financial Breache
During Sunday’s match against Manchester United, Everton supporters voiced their discontent through a sizable protest following the club’s extraordinary 10-point deduction for violating financial regulations.
Incurring the harshest penalty in Premier League history for breaching profitability and sustainability rules, Everton faced a wave of frustration from its fan base. The Premier League permits clubs a maximum loss of £105 million ($130 million) over three years, a threshold Everton admitted to surpassing for the 2021/22 season. However, the club expressed shock at the severity of the sanction imposed by an independent commission.
Manager Sean Dyche, along with the club, conveyed disbelief at the punishment, deeming it disproportionate. The deduction plummeted Everton to 19th place in the table, putting their 70-year tenure in the top flight at risk.
Prior to kick-off at Goodison Park, fans displayed placards featuring the Premier League logo adorned with the word “corrupt.” The protests extended beyond the stadium, encompassing demonstrations outside the Premier League’s London headquarters on Friday and further gatherings around Goodison Park on matchday.
A prominent banner from The Brick pub underscored the sentiment, declaring, “Where there is power, greed, and money, there is corruption.” At the core of Everton’s grievances is the perceived irregularity in the disciplinary process.
Mayor of Manchester and Everton season ticket holder Andy Burnham criticized the disciplinary process, labeling it “regulatory malpractice” in a letter to Premier League chiefs. Burnham highlighted the absence of a Premier League sanctions policy before charges were brought against Everton and the attempt to introduce one while the case was ongoing.
There is also suspicion that Everton has been singled out due to the threat of an independent regulator for football in England. Fans expressed frustration at the slow progress of a Premier League investigation into over 100 breaches of financial regulations by Manchester City and potential breaches by Chelsea.
“Why us? Why not City, why not Chelsea?” questioned Everton supporter Patrick Garner. The sentiment among fans is clear: Everton perceives itself as an easy target and vows not to accept the punishment lying do
