Andy Burnham blasts Everton punishment and process should be ‘null and void’
Everton season ticket holder Andy Burnham believes the Premier League process to deduct the Toffees 10-points should be declared null and void.
Burnham, who stands as the mayor of Greater Manchester, has written to the Premier League to voice his dismay at the sanction. Everton were docked 10 points for breaching profit and sustainability rules.
Burnham believes his club does have a case to answer but claimed there has been an ‘abuse of process’. He also said the league was guilty of trying to introduce a range of sanctions during the disciplinary case which were also not agreed by the 20 top flight clubs.
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He said: “As far as I can see the process is null and void it has been invalidated by the actions of the Premier League in seeking to introduce a framework at the later stages of the process and it would appear to have had some impact on the independent commission.”
Burnham does not see the point of Everton appealing the decision until a new framework of rules are in place to deal with matters like this.
The politician pointed out that the English Football League has had a process in place for five years. But that Everton could be the only club ever tried under these Premier League rules which have not been ratified by the 20 member clubs.
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Burnham, who has also sent the letter to Secretary for State, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer, said: “It creates an impression that there isn’t fairness and an even-handed approach at the heart of the league because there is a possibility Everton will be the only club ever put on trial according to these rules.
“The rules were put forward to the commission and clearly had an impact on the commission but, as far as I understand it, they are not moving forward with them.
“I’m pretty certain in saying no other Premier League clubs have seen these rules and, if it is the case that Everton have been tried by a set of rules that no other club will be tried by again, how on earth does that enhance the integrity of the Premier League or it’s image around the world?
“It does the opposite. It damages what is a very very successful league and I can’t see why it is in anyone’s interests to let this situation proceed.
“If there is going to be a new policy it has to be approved by the 20 Premier League clubs and then it goes in the Premier League handbook. That has not happened in this case.”
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