Luton boss Rob Edwards has called for some urgent ‘clarity’ regarding the points deductions handed out by the Premier League recently, with the appeals process meaning teams could be in the ridiculous position of not finding out their fate until after the campaign has finished.
Relegation rivals Nottingham Forest were given a four point penalty for breaking profit and sustainability rules last week, as although an independent commission concluded that they should be docked six in total, that was reduced by two because the club admitted the breach and fully cooperated throughout the process. It meant that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side dropped into the relegation zone, with Luton moving above them, although the former European champions have since appealed the outcome.
That now means the final date for any hearing to be concluded is May 24, which is five days after the final ball of the top flight season has been kicked, with Luton at home to Fulham on May 19 and Forest going to Burnley. It gets even more complicated though, as fellow strugglers Everton, who have already been deducted 10 points this term, reduced to six, are also awaiting the outcome of an FA charge for their second breach of the rules.
With such uncertainty surrounding the run-in, Edwards just wants to know the ever-changing landscape to be confirmed once and for all, saying: “It’s something we’ve got to live with as it’s not like anyone’s going to listen to us and say Luton aren’t happy about it, we’d better change it. We’ll deal with it, I’m sure every club just wants clarity, that’s all we want, clarity as soon as possible really.
“I think the hardest bit will be after the final whistle on the last game of the season. No-one really wants that because you want it to hopefully be a celebration and it’s brilliant, we know where we’re at. Whatever club’s in that situation, to maybe have to wait four or five days before knowing your fate will be very, very difficult, but if that’s what it is, it’s not like we’re going to be able to change anyone’s minds anyway. It just is what it is, but ultimately we want clarity and clarity as soon as possible, so everybody knows where they stand.”
Speaking to the BBC’s Monday Night Club this week, Town winger Andros Townsend described the current predicament as ‘nonsense’ and fears it will make a ‘mockery’ of the Premier League. Although not using quite as strong language, Edward felt it could definitely have been handled better, as he continued: “It’s unique, it’s different.
