This season, Everton has lost eight points due to two different PSR accusations, whereas Forest has lost four points due to a single regulation violation.
The appeals process in Everton’s case might not reach a resolution until a week after the conclusion of the Premier League campaign, potentially causing uncertainty on the final day of the season.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s The Friday Football Social, Hutchinson highlighted the broader implications beyond just the final day of the season. He pointed out that the uncertainty could affect teams’ mindsets in the weeks leading up to the end of the season.
For teams fighting relegation, such as Nottingham Forest, the uncertainty could impact their approach to matches. Knowing that points deductions could occur, teams might be inclined to pursue victories rather than settling for draws. Hutchinson emphasized the importance of resolving such matters before the conclusion of the season to maintain the integrity of the competition.
Everton relegation battle to go down to the wire
At least we now know that there aren’t any more upcoming point deductions. The appeals procedure is now where the fight is being fought.
Naturally, one way to defuse the situation would be for Everton to win a few games in a row and stay out of the bottom three.
That is easier said than done, though, and it is highly likely that there won’t be much separating the teams as they try to avoid 18th.
The situation with Nottingham Forest’s points deduction and their subsequent appeal only adds another layer of complexity to what has already been a uniquely challenging season.
It’s worth noting that the Premier League bears responsibility for these developments, contributing to the decision to abandon the current financial guidelines this summer. This decision underscores the need for a reassessment of the league’s approach in light of recent events.
Despite the ongoing discussions surrounding the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) over the past week and the last six months, there’s a collective hope that attention can shift back to on-field events when Everton faces Chelsea. A victory in that match could provide a much-needed boost, lifting some of the prevailing gloom surrounding the club.