Luton Town’s Andros Townsend says the prospect of Everton and Nottingham Forest’s points deductions being settled after the end of the season “makes a mockery” of the Premier League.
In November, Everton were deducted 10 points for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules during the assessment period ending in 2021-22, with that penalty being reduced to six on appeal.
The Toffees have also been charged with breaking the rules in the period running to the end of 2022-23, and a three-day hearing to determine their punishment began on Monday with the outcome expected to be made public in April.
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Forest, meanwhile, were plunged into the bottom three when they received a four-point deduction for a breach in the same period, with the club launching an appeal on Monday.
The Premier League has set a backstop date of May 24 for any appeal proceedings to be finalised, which comes five days after the season concludes on May 19.
Club statement.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 25, 2024
While Premier League chief executive Richard Masters is under pressure to ensure all penalties are set in stone before the final day of the campaign, the prospect of the relegation battle being decided away from the pitch has provoked the ire of Townsend.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, the Luton winger said: “We don’t know what’s going to happen.
“Everton have got points back, Forest are appealing and may get points back, Everton may get more points [deducted]… who knows? It all may get wrapped up the week before the end of the season.
“It’s all nonsense to be honest. Psychologically, if you’re above the relegation zone, you’re thinking a point is enough to keep you above the relegation zone.
“Then a week later you’re back in the relegation zone because teams have got their points back. For me, it makes a mockery of the Premier League, the best league in the world.”
Club Statement. pic.twitter.com/iFgMCpsR5G
— Everton (@Everton) January 15, 2024
Luton are currently one point clear of Forest, who occupy the final spot in the relegation zone.
The Hatters face a daunting run of fixtures after the international break, with trips to Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City to come within their next four games, as well as a home clash with Bournemouth.
