The Toffees were handed the penalty for breaching profit and sustainability rules, with outrage from the wider football community about the harshness of the punishment.
However, Keane and Neville got into an argument during their appearance on The Overlap on November 23, when the Irishman advised the Blues to “take their medicine” and go on.
Why couldn’t Everton simply raise their hands and take their medication? I realize it’s harsh—ten points—but it gives Everton some closure after a trying few years, remarked Keane.
From a football perspective, we all believe they still have enough to stay up. With four wins under their belt, they should have enough to remain up, and with the cup final approaching, the positive vibes among the team will hopefully return.
Simply take their medication, go on, and reflect on their prior errors.
But Neville was quick to respond, claiming that faith and trust in the Premier League were gone.
You make a point about why they wouldn’t take their punishment; it’s because the trust and faith have gone completely, he said.
The greed—I’m not going to say corruption—I’m going to say the greed and selfishness are out of control. It’s lawless.
The Premier League is a defunct organization because they’ve basically got 20 clubs voting with self-interest and the greater game at heart.
Powerless
Here, Neville is just right. Why would we take a punishment from a Premier League organization that we don’t think has acted properly in its process, and why would we think it is fair?
We collaborated with the league for years to make sure that this never occurred, and they had the authority to stop us from taking certain actions that would have resulted in violations.
They have now arbitrarily imposed a ten-point penalty, the harshest in Premier League history, without any prior precedent or even guidelines indicating what might have been given.
Keane’s point is one of just putting it behind us and getting on with it because we’re still in a strong position to avoid relegation, but the truth is we don’t deserve to be in this position right now.
We shouldn’t accept it because then it means we’re accepting they’re right and they’re not. We have to fight it and any sort of reduction will make it worthwhile.
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Everton star Seamus Coleman continues injury recovery in big boost to Sean Dyche
Just months after being stretchered off during his team’s relegation battle against Leicester City, the Ireland international managed the majority of a game last week. Journalist Paddy Boyland has now provided an update on the player’s recuperation.
“Seamus Coleman played the entire game as Everton U21s defeated Athletic Club U21s 1-0 in the Premier League International Cup,” he would write on X. Paul Tait’s team scored the goal through Lewis Dobbin.
How good is Seamus Coleman?
With 409 senior appearances under his belt for the Merseyside team, his significance to this football team is hard to measure.
Despite having the chance to pursue better opportunities, he stayed at Goodison Park for eight managers after joining under David Moyes, proving to be a constant in both good and terrible times.
Despite his denials, the 35-year-old is a true modern-day legend of the team, and his comeback might be crucial at a particularly trying time for Everton.
Securing results now is more crucial than ever after receiving a 10-point deduction just last week. Even though the lower-tier Premier League teams are weaker than the others, it would still be an amazing accomplishment if they could overcome such a gap to survive.
Coleman is a fantastic right-back, and his leadership qualities make his comeback valuable. Considering how badly Sean Dyche has performed in that capacity so far this campaign, he is vacillating between the rash and experienced Ashley Young and the lively Nathan Patterson.
Last season saw the former Sligo Rovers star make 23 league appearances, with his sole goal snagging three important points against relegation rivals Leeds United.
In addition, according to Sofascore, he would record one interception, 1.5 tackles, and two clearances every game, garnering recognition for his mature performances.
