Nottingham Forest were docked four points earlier this season for violating financial fair play regulations. It placed the Reds deep into relegation jeopardy, yet they managed to erase their point deficit in two games.
The Reds acknowledged to some charges regarding excessive spending, and the independent committee took some mitigating factors into account. Ultimately, it has insured that Forest remain in the relegation battle.
Everton’s situation became even more chaotic yesterday. The Toffees have already been penalized 10 points this season, with four recovered on appeal, and have now been deducted two more points for failing to comply for the second time.
Forest must persevere in their efforts to earn enough points to remain in the Premier League this season. Luton do not appear to be going away, and the Reds have two big games coming up against Wolves at the City Ground and Everton.
Following the latest news about Everton’s points punishment, an unlikely source has shown sympathy for both the Toffees and Forest. Let’s look more closely.
John Aldridge displays compassion for Everton and Nottingham Forest.
This is a little unusual for the books. Aldridge is not particularly popular among Forest fans. In the rescheduled FA Cup semi-final in 1989, the former Liverpool striker rubbed the head of Reds defender Brian Laws after he had put through his own goal.
It was an unpleasant occurrence, and it left an especially bad taste given how Forest reacted in the aftermath of the terrible Hillsborough disaster, which stained that specific semi-final.
Nonetheless, Aldridge believes Forest has a right to be frustrated by the FFP issue. He took to X to address Everton’s new charge, and he also mentioned Forest in his tweet. He said:
Forest must stop the FFP scenario and start winning football matches.
Everton adopted a siege mindset when they first received point deductions this season. They went on a spectacular run, and to be fair to Forest, the four points from two home games last weekend were only the tonic.
It’s a shame Crystal Palace couldn’t be defeated, since those two points may have been crucial for the Reds. However, four points from games against the Eagles and Fulham was a respectable return.
Forest played Tottenham on Sunday night, and they had another strong game. Chris Wood equalised following Murillo’s own goal, but then missed a chance to put Forest ahead.
Forest must finally put this FFP bullshit behind him. The Reds have only six games left to rescue their season, and they desperately need to start winning football games between now and the conclusion of the season.
