Everton told they 'only care about corruption if it leads to them getting relegation' as fans react to Toffees withdrawing appeal against second Premier League points deduction

The Toffees have been penalised on two occasions this season for breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The first of those sanctions saw them docked 10 points, which was later reduced to six following an investigation by an independent commission.

Everton then saw a further two points removed from their tally, as accounts from 2022-23 fell under the microscope, and initially stated a desire to contest that ruling. Sean Dyche has, however, led his side clear of the Premier League relegation zone and the Toffees have now said in a statement on the club’s official website: “Everton Football Club has withdrawn its appeal of the decision by a Premier League Independent Commission to impose a two-point deduction on the Club for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules for the accounting period ending in June 2023. A hearing, scheduled for later this month, will now not proceed, and the Club will conclude the 2023-24 Premier League season with the two-point deduction remaining in place.”

Inevitably, there has been a mixed response to that announcement. Many Everton fans are happy to see a line drawn under what has been a protracted and distracting saga, but others have condemned the Merseyside outfit. @TonyYoull says “so basically you only care about corruption if it leads to you getting relegated” while @chrisjaybee88 added on a similar theme “so the EPL is only corrupt if it puts you at risk of relegation? All good when you’re safe?” @ParaPaul78 said “you'll need all the points for your upcoming administration” and @PhYozza72 added “correct decision might help us with any other PSR issues next season”.

Despite seeing eight points shaved off their collective total in 2023-24, Everton have pulled 11 clear of the relegation zone. They sit 15th in the table as things stand, with two games left to take in, but do still have a number of issues to address off the field as uncertainty regarding long-term ownership of the club drags on.