Phil Thompson: Everton’s punishment harsh, but Premier League right to enforce rules

Paddy ambassador Phil Thompson talks Toffees after their 10-point deduction.

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson thinks his old friends from across Stanley Park, Everton, have been harshly dealt with by the Premier League after they slapped a 10-point penalty on the Toffees.

Everton admitted breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules after being £19.5m over the allowed loss limit over a three-year period.

Many expected them to be hit with a points deduction, but 10 was more than most anticipated.

And while Thommo has sympathy for that argument, he thinks the rules on spending and losses are there for a reason and should be implemented.

I think 10 points is harsh. When you first see it and see they’re a few million over budget you think, really?

When you boil it down it’s only £19.5m and you have to say it’s heavy punishment for something like that.

I understand that there’s got to be some sort of recourse with it. Maybe two or three points would have been ideal.

10 seems to be quite excessive

They’ve got to give people a wrap on the knuckles. It will be quite interesting to see what happens with other clubs under investigation at the moment!

We’re all laymen in this when it comes down to finances but when you look at it there’s bigger clubs who are probably doing things a little bit differently, shall we say, and it takes a while to sort it all out.

What happens with the clubs who are looking for compensation from Everton who were relegated?

They were found guilty about 12 months ago and they soon sorted that out.

It’s a difficult one for Everton and for Everton fans to stomach. It’ll be interesting to see what goes on at Goodison Park against Manchester United Sunday!

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