Everton legend Peter Reid has given his verdict on the controversial Premier League points deduction incurred by the Toffees last week.
The Goodison Park icon told BBC Radio 5 Live that he feels the punishment is excessive and that the Premier League would feel it’s a “mistake” if they revisit it.
Last Friday, Everton were docked 10 points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules, a decision that saw them slip to 19th in the table.
The decision came after the league referred Everton in March to an independent commission after reviewing the financial records of all top-flight clubs for the 2021-22 season.
Everton reported losses of £124.5million over a three-year period. The rules allow clubs to lose a maximum of £105million over that period of time.
The 10-point deduction received by the Toffees is the biggest sporting sanction ever handed out by the Premier League.
It has also put into focus other Premier League investigations and how those clubs will be dealt if also found guilty.
Everton intend to appeal the decision, saying they are ‘both shocked and disappointed’ by the finding.
This appeal will be heard by another independent panel, not the same people who brought forward Friday’s verdict.
‘Excessive’
Asked on BBC Radio 5 Live about Everton’s points deduction, Reid said: “I think it’s excessive. If Everton broke the rules, then yes, a punishment but I think the 10 points is excessive.
“The thing that drove me mad is that it was leaked before that it was going to be 12 points, I thought that was very distasteful in my opinion.
“When it comes down to 10, it was unprecedented and I think if they go back and have a look at it, I think possibly they’d realise it was a mistake.”
Everton are next in action on Sunday, when they host Manchester United at Goodison Park.