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26th Nov 2023

Everton protest banner flown over Manchester ahead of crunch tie against United

Ryan Grace

A banner organised by fans of the Toffees was flown over the Etihad Stadium on Saturday

Everton return to Premier League action today for the first time since receiving a 10-point reduction.

The club received the biggest sanction in the league’s history last week for breaching their financial rules.

A banner, organised by Everton fans’ group The 1878s, was flown over the Etihad Stadium yesterday.

The banner – which read “Premier League = corrupt” – was seen during the second half of Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

A plane flies over the Etihad Stadium with a message reading ‘Premier League = Corrupt’ during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Everton fans protest historic Premier League sanction

English top-flight clubs are permitted to lose £105 million over the course of three years.

An investigation into Everton’s accounts found their losses for the 2021-22 season amounted to £124.5 million.

The 10-point deduction saw them instantly drop into the relegation zone, falling from 14th to 19th in the league table.

Manager Sean Dyche was less than impressed by the sanction.

He said the club feel “aggrieved” by the “disproportionate” punishment and have every intention to appeal the decision.

Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton, October 2023 (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Everton hoping to bounce back with result against United

The Toffees have yet to respond to the sanction on the pitch, as it was handed to them during the two-week international break.

They welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park this afternoon where the atmosphere promises to be absolutely electric.

Time will tell whether Everton will be able to survive the drop despite the punishment – a win today would leave them two points from safety.