“Points deduction looks…” – Chief reporter shares worrying Nottingham Forest update

Ziegler says a “points deduction looks certain” for Nuno’s side, pointing to a paragraph in the Everton appeal ruling that says “any breach of rule E.51 [excessive losses] warrants a points deduction, and nothing less”.

Delay could hurt Forest

Let’s say based on precedent that Forest also lose six points for their alleged breach, then they would fall into the relegation zone, two below Luton, who retain a game in hand after the abandonment of their clash with Bournemouth in December.

However, the reality is that the table will look different by the time any such penalty is applied. Indeed, based on Ziegler’s report, it could be another six weeks before a verdict is reached. There’s a scenario where Forest only discover their fate with six league games to go, and then there’s the possibility of a challenge from the 2022 Championship play-off winners, just like we saw from Everton.

If you’re a Forest player or supporter, you just want clarity this point so you know where you stand – the delay feels like a punishment in itself. What’s abundantly clear, though, is that the Tricky Trees have a series of vital games on the horizon, travelling to Luton just before the international break and then hosting Crystal Palace. They will head to Goodison Park to face Everton before the end of April too.

Even if Forest avoid a deduction, which looks extremely unlikely at this point, these are arguably must-win fixtures to ensure survival. The message from Nuno to his players should be to focus on what they can control, starting with Saturday’s home game against Liverpool.