BREAKING: After Nottingham Forest 4 point deduction, it is now clear Everton will face…..

BREAKING: After Nottingham Forest 4 point deduction, it is now clear Everton will face a milder punishment

Nottingham Forest hit with points deduction as Everton sweat on new punishment
Nottingham Forest have dropped into the relegation zone after being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Jarrad Branthwaite (C/) of Everton during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton FC at City Ground on December 02, 2023 in Nottingham, England.

Jarrad Branthwaite keeps Nottingham Forest at bay during Everton’s win at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest have received a four-point deduction for breaching Premier League spending rules.

Forest were today informed of the verdict, handed down by an independent commission after a two-day hearing earlier this month.

The decision plunges the club deeper into the relegation fight, dropping them into the bottom three, one point behind Luton Town, who now sit above the dotted line.

Forest are the second club to be sanctioned under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules after Everton were hit with a 10-point punishment, reduced to six on appeal, earlier this season. The Blues, now four points clear of Forest, are due to face a hearing over a second alleged breach later this month.

The ruling had been widely expected on Monday, signalling the continuation of developments within the relegation battle even without a ball being kicked. The top flight today begins a two-week break for international action but drama was anticipated despite that gap between games. More will unfold with Everton’s hearing soon to take place and with any punishment stemming from that expected to be imposed this season as well.

It means the integrity of the Premier League table remains in doubt with the real state of play in the relegation fight still unclear – and likely to remain so for weeks to come.