Everton probably should have been hit with a fine instead of a points deduction for a breach of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, Paul Robinson has said.

Last month, the Toffees had a 10-point deduction lowered to six after their appeal against the punishment was partially upheld (Sky Sports, 27 February).

Everton are still waiting to hear the outcome of a second charge for a breach of PSR rules, with Nottingham Forest also found in breach.

Former England and Leeds United goalkeeper Robinson thinks a points deduction in the middle of the season is unhelpful and that a financial penalty would have been more relevant, even accounting for Everton’s precarious financial position.

“As much as you don’t want to see teams financially suffer, you look at Everton and say how do you punish a side that are already financially in trouble? Do you fine them?” Robinson told Goodison News.

“Do you take more money off them? Or do you have a points deduction? I think a points deduction isn’t the answer in the middle of a season because I think that the only people who get punished there are the fans, the manager gets punished, and the players get punished.

“You might ask why fine a club already in financial trouble? As far as Leeds and the others are concerned, you don’t want to see other teams suffer, but why should Leeds suffer if another club is found guilty?”

Everton appeal saga rumbles on

When it comes to Everton this season, there has been as much talk off the pitch as there has been on it and it has been undoubtedly a huge distraction.

It does appear now that a benchmark has been set for flouting PSR rules but Everton will hope to avoid another six-point deduction as the second charge covers some of the same period as the first.

Robinson’s opinion is a valid one but it does go to show that there is absolutely no perfect solution to PSR charges.

The whole thing has been an unruly mess and all it has served to show is that changes are needed to the implementation of the rules.

In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit has shared a new transfer verdict after the Manchester United defeat.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.