James Tarkowski thinks Everton have got some much-needed clarity after their points deduction for breaching Premier League financial rules was reduced following an appeal.
Everton confirmed last Monday that the appeals panel had decided to reduce the points deduction imposed by the independent Premier League panel in November from 10 to 6 points with immediate effect.
The Blues received a 10-point deduction in November 2023 as the club was found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules by the three-member independent panel. The charges were brought against the club after it recorded a loss of more than £105 million in the three-year period ending in 2022.
Tarkowski reacted to the verdict after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham United, admitting: ‘I think the most important thing for us is clarity.
“We’ve cleared that up, so let’s concentrate on football and try to win some games. That should have started today, but it didn’t. Now we will start with the next game.”
Despite the disappointing defeat at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, Everton are five points clear of the relegation zone. But the club now faces another anxious wait after being charged in January along with Nottingham Forest over alleged misconduct in the 2022/23 accounts.
That case is due to be heard next month and a possible appeal could result in the outcome of the case not being known until May, when the final round of matches will be played. But Tarkowski believes his side cannot use uncertainty as an excuse.
He said: “The second charge that looms over again, you could easily use that as an excuse as uncertainty, but we can’t use that.
“We have been playing well, and we have played well so many times; that’s why the blame comes on the players because the manager sets us up and we cause teams problems; defend well, if you don’t put them chances to bed you are going to get punished at some point.”