Everton and Nottingham Forest appeals: O’Rourke can’t believe ‘crazy’ development
Everton and Nottingham Forest should have been given the same points deduction after their PSR sanctions.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke was baffled that the Toffees and the Reds were hit with different deductions for very similar breaches.
Both clubs were charged with breaching allowable losses for the three-year period to the 2022-23 season, with Everton overspending by £16.6million and Forest by £34.5million.
Sean Dyche’s side were initially set for a five-point deduction after already facing a six-point deduction earlier this season, but it was reduced to two due to their early admission of guilt, sponsorship issues, and factors relating to the build of their new stadium.
O’Rourke blasts ‘inconsistent’ punishments for Everton and Forest
Meanwhile, Forest were set to land a six-point deduction for their breach, but this was reduced to four due to their cooperation with the investigation.
O’Rourke blasted the “inconsistent” nature of these decisions and insisted that for “the integrity of the Premier League”, the same punishment should be dealt out for the same offence.
“I’m sure Everton will bring Forest’s case into their appeal argument,” he told the Inside Track podcast.
“It’s been inconsistent.
“Different commissions have been making decisions on what punishments should be.
“For me, and for the integrity of the Premier League, it should be the same punishment for any breach so that everyone knows where they stand.
“They all signed up to these rules, so just stick to it.
“There’s so much ambiguity over what has happened with Everton and Forest.
“Forest fans have questioned why they got four points while Everton only got two.
“Everton probably have this coming next season as well – that’s the crazy thing.
“They have another loss hanging over them after reporting big losses in their annual accounts.
“[Everton’s] appeal is being processed and that has to be heard by 25 May – a week after the Premier League season.”
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