During the midday clash between Newcastle and Chelsea at St James’ Park, a dramatic message disrupted the serene sky. Amidst the gripping on-field battle, gazes were drawn upward as a plane cruised carrying a banner boldly proclaiming “Premier League = corrupt”. The packed stadium, engrossed in the game’s intensity, momentarily shifted attention to this unexpected aerial protest.
This high-flying statement, bankrolled by ardent Everton supporters, sought to condemn what they perceive as the Premier League’s corruption and to protest the hefty ten-point penalty imposed on their beloved club. While the clash between Newcastle and Chelsea engaged spectators, this airborne message aimed to highlight Everton’s grievances and cast light on what they deem a contentious issue.
The banner, serving as a stark indictment of the league’s integrity, bore the hashtags UTFT and EFC, clearly indicating Everton’s dissatisfaction. Everton bore the brunt of a severe penalty recently, facing a ten-point deduction due to breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. This penalty arose from the club’s exceeding permissible losses by £19.5m over three seasons, a violation Everton contests as unjust and disproportionate.
Even as the Chelsea manager highlighted the significance of the match against Newcastle, the protest sought maximum visibility by hovering the plane over the stadium during the game’s second half. However, the televised coverage predominantly focused on on-field action, minimizing visibility for the banner.
Interestingly, the backdrop for this protest, St James’ Park, mirrors the significance of the situation. Manchester City grapples with its own predicament, having faced 115 rule breaches earlier in 2023. While Everton’s appeal awaits resolution, City’s case, enmeshed in scrutiny, remains ongoing.
Pep Guardiola emphasized the distinction between Everton’s case and City’s, asserting that Everton’s breach was evident in financial records, while City faces allegations of deliberately sidestepping financial regulations.
Following Everton’s penalty, the club expressed a strong interest in similar cases concerning the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. Everton’s passionate fans swiftly raised over £40,000, intending to draw attention during their upcoming match against Manchester United by distributing red cards bearing the “Corrupt” message alongside the Premier League logo.
This contentious narrative encompassing Everton, the Premier League, and its regulatory landscape continues to dominate headlines, underscoring the persisting challenges within football’s administrative corridors.