Nottingham Forest launch appeal against four-point deduction and could risk even WORSE punishment

NOTTINGHAM FOREST have appealed their four-point deduction… which could be INCREASED if they are unsuccessful.

The Premier League club were handed the punishment earlier this month for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Nottingham Forest’s decision to appeal could yet see them deducted more pointsRex

Now they have confirmed they will be appealing the decision as they look to recoup some of the points lost.

However, choosing to contest the punishment means they have also opened themselves up to the possibility of a further points deduction.

A short club statement read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).

“The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”

Forest, who according to Sky Sports are unlikely to receive a further deduction, have admitted to breaching the rules after overspending by £34.5million across a three-year period.

However, they believe the four-point deduction to be excessive.

They would have received an eight-point deduction had they not co-operated in the Premier League’s investigation.

Forest will be hoping they are handed some points back in the same way Everton were earlier this season.

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The Toffees were docked 10 points, before their appeal earned them four back.

Sean Dyche’s men still face the potential of a further points deduction before the end of the season.

Forest’s punishment dropped them into the relegation zone – with the club now one point adrift of Luton.

But the appeal process and Everton’s possible second deduction leaves teams at the bottom in a state of confusion as to what they require to avoid the drop.

Forest’s decision to appeal comes after they released a frustrated statement immediately after the deduction.

They said: “After months of engagement with the Premier League, and exceptional cooperation throughout, this was unexpected and has harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League.

“That the Premier League sought a sanction of eight points as a starting point was utterly disproportionate when compared to the nine points that their own rules prescribe for insolvency.

“We were also surprised that the Premier League gave no consideration at all to the unique circumstances of the Club and its mitigation.

“In circumstances where this approach is followed by future PSR commissions, it would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for newly promoted clubs without parachute payments to compete, thus undermining the integrity and competitiveness of the Premier League.”