Liverpool legend John Aldridge believes Manchester City and Chelsea will escape a heavy points deduction that Everton were handed.
The Toffees received a devastating 10-point deduction this past week that plunged them into 19th place in the Premier League. They were found to have breached the Premier League's financial rules after reporting a loss of £124million – £19m more than the £105m threshold for one season.
While club chiefs announced they will appeal the punishment, it's left them with just four points on the board as they now face an uphill battle to stay in the top-flight. Upon the handing of their punishment, fans have been left wondering what sort of consequences will Manchester City face after the Premier League champions were levied with 115 charges for alleged rule breaches.
READ MORE:Man Utd players believe poor start and injuries stem from being 'overworked' in summer
READ MORE: Glazers are still a poisonous smell at Man Utd one year on from fans' dream day
Chelsea are also in dangerous territory as they are under scrutiny regarding a series of third-party payments related to former owner Roman Abramovich but have yet to be formally charged by the Premier League. Aldridge – who enjoyed three years at Liverpool – is not confident that the two football heavyweights will face a points deduction like Everton.
"Everton were a sitting duck," Aldridge wrote for the Liverpool Echo. "I don't know how you gauge it so I guess it all comes down to what happens in future. We've all seen what's gone on with Chelsea under Roman Abramovich or everything at Man City – 115 charges.
Will Everton be relegated this season? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below
Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and more across eight dedicated channels. Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action this year.
£22 a month
"Was it because the other teams have gone on to do well? The others are in the top six? Perhaps it has to do with Everton not having the money to fight it." He claimed the financial power of City and Chelsea has helped them in their quest to "scare people off".
Aldridge added: "City have got unlimited amounts, Chelsea have got unlimited amounts, so they've scared off the people who are trying to do them for years, delaying and delaying… Everton physically could not do that – I'm sure they would have done too with the same resources."
Join the Daily Star's WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!
Through the app, we'll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.
To join our community, all you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in!
No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
The 65-year-old said he hopes "fairness prevails" and is waiting if they hand City a similar punishment to Everton. "The league are under pressure to do something and I'm waiting to see if they follow suit now, with that club (City) in particular," he added.
"I hope that fairness prevails at the end of the day – if it is good enough for Everton then it is certainly good enough for City and any other club."
Source: Read Full Article