Everton urged by lawyer to reconsider stance ‘immediately’, points deduction possible

Public lawyer Matt Stanbury has urged Everton to withdraw their points deduction “immediately” after securing their Premier League status.

The Toffees are now mathematically assured of survival following Saturday’s (27 April) 1-0 victory over Brentford at Goodison Park.

That is despite having eight points deducted across two separate charges, the second of which – two points – is being appealed.

The Premier League announced earlier this month that the appeal board has the right to increase the penalty should they see fit.

On the back of Everton’s latest win, Toffees fan Stanbury took to X to post [27 April]: “Withdraw the appeal, immediately.”

And after reports on Monday (29 April) that Everton will proceed with the hearing, Stanbury added: “Complete folly, so typical of the current ownership, to plough on with this appeal on some point of principle. “It won’t bring about relegation, but it’s a needless expense and distraction from much more positive things going on at the Club.

“A reminder that the Appeal Board could (but likely won’t) increase the EFC points deduction. Not a sensible risk/benefit judgment to proceed with it.”

Everton points appeal latest

We now know that the latest hearing will take place in the final week of the Premier League season. Had the Toffees’ poor form continued, that would have caused an almighty headache.

As it is, though, it should not matter what decision the panel comes to with regards to whether Everton should have any of those two points reinstated.

However, if there is even a slim chance that a new deduction could be imposed – which is highly unlikely, as Stanbury points out – then what is the point in proceeding?

It could be argued that this comes down to a matter of principle, with Everton wanting to prove that the Premier League was wrong to take off two further points.

However, it would also make sense to just draw a line under the whole matter and move on. This season has been dominated by charges and appeals; it is now time to forget about the whole mess and focus on a brighter future.