Andros Townsend claims Everton and Nottingham Forest’s points deductions ‘make a MOCKERY of the Premier League’… and opens up on the psychological difficulties they add to the relegation battle

Andros Townsend has ripped into the Premier League for deducting points from Everton and Nottingham Forest.

The Luton Town star described the penalties as ‘nonsense’ which ‘make a mockery of the Premier League’ in a withering attack. 

He also revealed how they add an extra layer of uncertainty to the relegation battle, making it harder for teams psychologically. 

Everton were punished with a 10-point deduction in November but have since had four points handed back, while Forest were stripped of four points earlier this month. Both sanctions were for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

‘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,’ Townsend told BBC Radio 5 Live. 

The Luton midfielder thinks the penalties ‘make a mockery of the Premier League’ 

‘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 [and] what is the best league in the world.’

Townsend’s damning assessment despite Luton Town benefitting hugely from the deductions. 

Everton were deducted 10 points in November but have since had four points returned

Nottingham Forest have launched an appeal after the Premier League docked them four points

Luton are one point ahead of Forest and outside the relegation zone thanks to Forest’s four-point blow. 

Everton were charged with breaching financial rules back in 2021-22. The Toffees posted staggering financial losses of almost £372million over a three-year period. 

That is more than £250m above what the Premier League’s guidelines permits clubs to lose over a three-year rolling time frame. The technical alleged breaches related to accounting treatments, with the League arguing Everton breached profit and sustainability rules (PSR). 

Their penalty was reduced following an appeal. 

Meanwhile, Forest are appealing their punishment after the Premier League claimed that they exceeded their PSR threshold by as much as £34.5million in the pertinent period.