Jamie Carragher questions delay in Everton's appeal verdict for 10-point deduction

Jamie Carragher has questioned the hold up in learning the verdict of Everton's appeal against their 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules as the rest of the division's clubs watch on with a keen eye on a decision.

The Toffees were docked a record 10 points back in November after the league referred their case to an independent commission in March, with the alleged breach taking place in the 2021/22 season when they finished just four points clear of the relegation zone.

Everton were left "shocked and disappointed" by the sanction, which they branded "wholly disproportionate and unjust", and announced they would be appealing the decision. However, three months on from that announcement, a verdict has yet to be given on Everton's appeal.

Reports have claimed confirmation is expected before the end of the month and, given how important the outcome is for both Everton and their relegation rivals, Carragher has questioned if the Premier League are delaying the verdict until after Sean Dyche's side face Crystal Palace on Monday as they "fear the reaction" from fans.

Taking to social media, Carragher wrote: "What is the hold up on the appeals decision regarding Everton's 10pt deduction? Two weeks have passed, this is surely a matter of urgency for Everton and the clubs around them."

Carragher has previously branded Everton's 10-point deduction "excessive", telling Sky Sports News: "We're talking about £20m - it is a small figure when you think of the Premier League now and transfer fees."

"There's talk about other clubs being upset that Everton were buying players that they shouldn't have done. But they've have been working with the Premier League over the last couple of years and I don't understand why, over the last few transfer windows, the league didn't say to Everton that they couldn't bring in a certain player they wanted to?"

"It just feels to me, to take points off clubs is really tough. That punishment has to be the last resort. You can have a transfer embargo, a fine, especially for a club like Everton right now, where they have spent over £20m."

"It feels excessive and I feel for Everton, especially what is going on with other clubs. There were certain Big Six clubs with what happened with the European Super League where they threatened to leave the league, with a £22m fine spread between the six clubs."