‘Absolute Disgrace’ – Merson reacts to what he’s told about Everton and Nottingham Forest charge

Paul Merson has said that it is an “absolute disgrace” that Everton and Nottingham Forest may not receive punishment for their Profit and Sustainability (PSR) charges until the end of the season.

Sean Dyche’s side moved out of the relegation zone after they received four points back following the appeal of their 10-point deduction for breaching PSR rules, but could face more punishment for a second charge.

If the Toffees choose to appeal against that second breach, they may not learn the full extent of any punishment until the end of the Premier League season with Nottingham Forest in the same boat, a scenario that Sky Sports pundit Merson has branded “mind-blowing”.

Speaking on Sky Sports News on Saturday (2 March, 12:10) he said: “Personally I think it is an absolute disgrace. I think it is a disgrace for everybody involved, especially for Luton because for Burnley and Sheffield United, it would be an absolute miracle if they got out of trouble.

“But you look at Sheffield United, Forest, Everton are involved and Brentford. This is the biggest product in the world, it’s the Premier League, it’s watched all around the world. How this can not be resolved as soon as possible.

“It’s mind-blowing to think we could wait until the end of the season to find out. It needs to be sorted, it needs to be done sooner rather than later.”

Will Everton and Nottingham Forest get a second points deduction?

Everton will be delighted to have finally got some of their points back for their first breach of profit and sustainability rules, but there is a genuine chance that the Toffees could be set to face further punishment sooner rather than later.

While a second points deduction could be disastrous in the relegation battle, it could cause absolute chaos at the bottom of the Premier League, especially if a points deduction is handed out after the final weekend of fixtures.

The Premier League have been far too slow in their decision-making throughout the season, whether that be the Toffees original points deduction or the approval of 777 Partners’ takeover at Goodison Park.

Hopefully, the league and its independent commission will work quickly to find a fair and suitable punishment for both Everton and Forest so Dyche knows what his side need to remain in the Premier League.