Everton and its fanbase have never been shy of standing up to injustice.
The club itself would showcase that just last week, with their instant appeal of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s FA Cup red card showcasing their frustration with the decision.
Whilst there is only so much that those within the club can say or do to challenge the status quo without receiving a financial penalty, of which they simply cannot afford, the fanbase is offered far more freedom with which to exhibit their frustrations.
So, when they were dealt with a ten-point deduction back in November, whilst the club merely pleaded their innocence and politely planned their appeal, Goodison Park made its feelings known.
A sea of bright pink cards displaying the word ‘CORRUPT’ flooded across the ground, and numerous banners questioning the Premier League’s decision and integrity were lifted.
Even now, nearly two months on, the fight still rages on for this fanbase, who have detailed another set of plans to protest this Sunday against Aston Villa.
With the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports, the fan group The 1878s have seen fit to target it to magnify the audience that will view their displeasure.
They wrote: ‘The Gwladys Street will have all team flags draping from the upper (including a new one, shown below) and the lower will also have some too. We have around 3-4000 pink and green cards left. These will be handed out to everyone in the Family Enclosure.
‘This is for the purpose of the TV cameras, we are asking for these to be held up during the PL anthem & on the 10th minute & also encouraging fans to hold them up when there is a throw in or corner.’
Why are Everton fans protesting?
Whilst it might seem strange to those uninformed why Everton fans believe corruption is afoot, the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has sought to shed some light on why he feels the decision is unjust and deserving of such a reaction.
After all, to be handed the harshest points deduction in the history of the top flight was jaw-dropping, especially considering it was administered for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules by just £19m.
What makes matters worse is that some seriously shady practice has gone on throughout the trial, with new rules seemingly introduced as and when they fit.
One example is the stadium’s interest costs, which marked a new factor that previously held no weight.
There is a feeling that the Premier League and its financial rules seek to maintain the standing of their elite members, and in turn crush the growth of would-be challengers.
Whilst their failure to invest intelligently falls solely on the club, this outcome is a gross exaggeration and deserves such a reaction.
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