Everton fans are back in action on Monday night, as they host Crystal Palace in a game marred by many underlying narratives.
Whilst the visitors remain unsure of who will be in their dugout after Roy Hodgson’s unfortunate illness and the prospect of hiring Oliver Glasner, the hosts are instead still at odds with the Premier League as they seek to combat their ten-point deduction from November.
It is the longevity of this process which has drawn the most scrutiny of late, and even with a mid-February announcement touted, we are now passed that point and stuck wondering when any verdict might arrive.
Well, in front of a floodlit Goodison Park, Sean Dyche’s men will have the perfect opportunity to prove to the rest of the division that nothing can keep them down.
Similarly, the fans will have their chance to take a stand too.
Why are Everton fans protesting against the Premier League?
The reasons behind Everton fans’ protests have grown with each passing week, but at its core, it comes from the initial deduction.
Few were not angry with the guilty verdict, but instead, it was the scale of the punishment which truly stunned them and the footballing world.
A crime supposedly worse than entering administration, and sanctioned as such. Ludicrous.
And throughout that process, in which the club appealed with speed, it has now dragged painfully on, with the Premier League only broadcasting their fragility with each passing day that the outcome is not released.
Protests are intensifying because nothing is being done, and thus the Toffees have been left in limbo. Regardless of the verdict, a decision simply must be made and announced as soon as possible.
What Everton fans must do vs Crystal Palace
Given what Evertonians have done during broadcasted games against Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, Monday’s match will likely be no different.
And, regardless of whether there is an announcement or not, it marks the perfect opportunity to voice their frustrations live on Sky Sports.
Whether they will be shown remains to be seen, after Andy Burnham saw his interview ridiculously silenced, but this fanbase could do something that the Premier League simply cannot ignore.
Whilst the coloured cards are set to be no more, creating a cauldron of noise is something which Sky’s cameras cannot shy away from.
Not only will a myriad of chants against their own league get their message across well, but the relentless chanting could spur the home side on to a key victory which could pull them out of the relegation zone.
And, should a verdict be released before the match, regardless of whether it is no points back, two points back, five points back or all ten points back, the Premier League and their CEO, Richard Masters, must still be held accountable.
If Everton are great at anything, it’s airing their grievances and standing up for what they feel is right. Monday must be no different.
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