Prime Minister and Evertonian Andy Burnham has reiterated his belief that Everton were treated unfairly during their Premier League financial cases, using the club’s experience to explain why he won’t rush to judgement following Manchester City’s guilty verdict.
Burnham was a prominent critic of the process surrounding Everton’s points deductions and says his view hasn’t changed.
Burnham still believes Everton were treated unfairly
“Everton was in this position a few years ago, and you might remember I fought for Everton in that situation,” Burnham told the BBC.
“I still hold the view very firmly they weren’t fairly treated in that process.”
Everton were initially deducted 10 points in November 2023 after an independent commission found they had breached the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. The club had admitted a breach but disputed its extent, and the sanction was subsequently reduced to six points on appeal.
A further two-point deduction followed in April 2024 for a separate PSR breach.
Burnham recalled the public reaction to Everton’s case when explaining his position on City.
“I remember people proclaiming Everton guilty at the time, and with hindsight I think more people would say that wasn’t fair, the way that was handled,” he said.
Burnham added that it would be wrong for him to “leap to one side” over City given that experience, while describing it as “frustrating when people rush to judgement”.
His comments don’t suggest Everton were subsequently cleared of their breaches. Rather, Burnham remains critical of the process and the treatment the club received during one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history.
LIVE! Premier League 2026 / 27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
Tommy Fleetwood beats David Moyes to Friedkin meeting
Tommy Fleetwood beats David Moyes to Friedkin meeting
Everton missed out on Europe four times during Man City breach seasons
Everton missed out on Europe four times during Man City breach seasons