Everton fans pay for a plane to fly a banner over Etihad Stadium taking aim at Premier League as Man City played Liverpool.
The banner had a message accusing the Premier League of being “corrupt”, with supporter organisation ‘The 1878s’ behind it in their latest effort to protest against the decision to hand the Toffees a 10 point deduction for a breach of financial regulations.
This penalty is the most severe ever handed out the top flight, signed off by an independent commission, and awarded after the Premier League made it clear they wanted Everton seriously punished.
— The 1878s (@The1878s) November 25, 2023
Everton plane flying over the Etihad, well done toffee’s pic.twitter.com/DQmQxIlylp
— Josh (@HarkNowHear1) November 25, 2023
The decision left Everton furious and the fanbase are going to have chance to really make it known how they feel in the game against Man City on Sunday.
But not before getting a banner display over the Etihad on Saturday, with Sky Sports not showing it despite it being heard.
The banner, which read “UTFT – Premier League = Corrupt” – is part of a number of a fan-led protests which all began on Friday night, starting with a group of supporters campaigning outside the Premier League headquarters in London.
So far, over £40,000 had been raised, all to go towards the planned protests, with the campaign launched just hours after the club were awarded a points deduction.
Next up for them, it’s turning out in force at Goodison Park with tens of thousands of cards expected to be held up in the air along with a number of banners and flags.
Everton also plan to appeal the deduction, while separately, they have received political backing with the likes of regional Merseyside mayor Steve Rotheram, who has written a letter to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
West Derby MP Ian Byrne has also tabled an Early Day Motion challenging the league’s decision and backs calls for an independent football regulator – legislation, due before the House of Commons having been included in the King’s Speech.
Steve Rotheram wrote: “While I understand, and indeed support, the importance of maintaining discipline and upholding the integrity of the sport, it is crucial to ensure that any punitive measures are proportionate and just. I do not believe that this punishment fits the crime. The decision to deduct 10 points from Everton is excessive considering the club’s willingness and proactivity in collaborating with the Premier League to ensure all dealings were FFP compliant when it was clear they were close to breaching the rules.
“There are a number of mitigating factors in Everton’s transgression in relation to debt ceilings that are in effect geo-political and therefore outside of their control. As many people have pointed out, the punishment imposed appears severe for the charge in question and sets a new precedent. When compared with sanctions handed to other clubs for financial infringements it surpasses previous penalties. In 2010, when Portsmouth entered administration, a case of serious mismanagement, they were hit with only a nine point penalty. For falling into administration a second time in three years, in 2012, they faced a 10 point deduction. The implication that Everton’s actions are somehow more egregious is frankly, ludicrous.
“I completely support the club’s appeal and would urge you to take a more balanced approach and consider alternative forms of punishment that do not unfairly penalise the club’s players and supporters. As a founding member of both the Football League and Premier League, Everton are an important part of the fabric of English football. They deserve to be treated fairly, justly and with respect.”
The 1878s wrote via Twitter on Friday: “Sunday is a great opportunity to show our feelings towards the Premier League regarding the disgraceful decision to deduct 10 point from us. However, the most important thing is getting behind the manager, the team and driving them on to 3 points & pushing us back up the table.
“There is no better place on the planet on it’s day than Goodison Park, let’s make Sunday one of them days.
“In recent years Evertonians have been faced with adversity, yet, our behaviour has always remained impeccable – despite our anger and frustrations.
“Through no fault of our own we unfortunately face this again, however, as always we must as a fanbase protest in a respectful manner.
“The Premier League will no doubt be scrutinising every move we make, so let’s give them nothing to pull us up over and nothing to hinder our clubs future appeal.
“TOGETHER… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE 🔵⚪️
“If there is any fanbase (especially over the past few seasons) who know how to boo, it’s certainly ours…We’ve had plenty of practice 🤣
“Make sure when that Premier League anthem is played on Sunday you give the biggest “boo” you can whilst holding the cards provided up in the air.
“UP THE TOFFEES 🔵⚪️
“One of the collection points for the card distribution on Sunday will be the @SFoodbanks van.
“If you can, could you please bring a food donation with you and help them out. This will be greatly appreciated by all. 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️”
It was a fantastic turnout at the Premier League HQ protest tonight, a massive thanks to all Evertonians who attended 🙌💙
A special mention to @EvertonMontreal, who kick-started this idea last weekend 💪
This is only the beginning…#OnwardsEvertonians#AllTogetherNow#UTFT🔵 pic.twitter.com/gFOxQ3jNW7
— Toffees In London (@ToffeesInLondon) November 24, 2023
This is what social media users said as Everton fans pay for a plane to fly the banner over Etihad Stadium taking aim at the Premier League…
@ryanneal316: @GNev2 @SkySportsPL Awfully quiet. Pathetic. Well done all blues involved 👏
@SladeDJ: A banner declaring the Premier League to be corrupt flies over a game being broadcast live by @SkySports and there isn’t even a mention, let alone any footage. Who made that editorial decision? Were you told to say nothing @GNev2?
@ianspeny: Now’s your opportunity @GNev2
@K3VBAK3R: @GNev2 not a word on commentary about it…shithouse. You had your chance to follow up your overlap comments and dropped the bag (or took one?) DARLINGS #CORRUPT
@ladycaroline0: Top work lads 👏
@PhYozza72: @premierleague we are not going away the message is spread far and wide! #UTFT #EFC
@twatted92: Should have dropped loads of corrupt paper cards over the pitch
@M1878x: Sky are never gonna do anything to risk their relationship with the Premier League, they’re there to present a nice polished product and wouldn’t want to show real fans are unhappy.
@stockport: I mean they aren’t wrong
@TateCallingham: Didn’t really expect @SkySportsPL to show it but thought @GNev2 actually had a backbone to mention it, clearly not.
@Hanstours: Fucking yes @The1878s
@chIoekenning: Love to see it
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