Everton's ten-point deduction for breaching financial rules is 'LUDICRUOUS' insists the mayor of Liverpool... who in a letter to the Premier League calls for them to 'not unfairly penalise the club's players and supporters'

The mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, has written to the Premier League to express his ‘deep concern and opposition’ to the decision to hand Everton with a 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules.

Everton were referred to an independent commission in March for an alleged breach relating to 2021-22 and a hearing found that the club outspent financial guidelines and should be punished with a sporting sanction.

It plunged Sean Dyche’s side to 19th in the table, above Burnley on goal difference alone, and the club immediately confirmed its intention to appeal against the decision, calling the sanction ‘wholly disproportionate and unjust’.

And now metro mayor of the city Rotheram has written to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters. ‘I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to today’s decision by the Premier League Panel to deduct 10 points from Everton Football Club,’ he wrote in a letter seen by Mail Sport.

‘The sanction imposed is not only unprecedented but a wholly disproportionate one too. While I understand, and indeed support, the importance of maintaining discipline and upholding the integrity of the sport, it is crucial to ensure that any punitive measures are proportionate and just. I do not believe that this punishment fits the crime.

‘The decision to deduct 10 points from Everton is excessive considering the club’s willingness and proactivity in collaborating with the Premier League to ensure all dealings were FFP compliant when it was clear they were close to breaching the rules.

‘There are a number of mitigating factors in Everton’s transgression in relation to debt ceilings that are in effect geo-political and therefore outside of their control.

‘As many people have pointed out, the punishment imposed appears severe for the charge in question and sets a new precedent. When compared with sanctions handed to other clubs for financial infringements it surpasses previous penalties.

‘In 2010, when Portsmouth entered administration, a case of serious mismanagement, they were hit with only a 9 point penalty. For falling into administration a second time in three years, in 2012, they faced a 10 point deduction.

‘The implication that Everton’s actions are somehow are more egregious is frankly, ludicrous. I completely support the club’s appeal and would urge you to take a more balanced approach and consider alternative forms of punishment that do not unfairly penalise the club's players and supporters.

‘As a founding member of both the Football League and Premier League, Everton are an important part of the fabric of English football. They deserve to be treated fairly, justly and with respect.’

Everton host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Goodison Park, with fans raising around £35,000 and counting towards banners, flags and leaflets to campaign against the decision.