The Manchester Evening News takes a look at the current Football Association and Premier League rules around points deductions after a claim Liverpool 'should' have received one
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Arne Slot sits in the dugout
Liverpool head coachArne Slot admitted an FA charge late last month
(Image: AP)
Manchester City have been the subject of speculation about receiving a points deduction this season should they be found guilty of their alleged Premier League financial rule breaches.
However, the discussion of docking points now centres around another club. Liverpool are the focus of such punishments after Arne Slot admitted misbehaving during the Merseyside derby draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
That landed their head coach with a two-match touchline ban and £70,000 fine. However, the former Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) general manager believes such conduct should incur more severe consequences at some stage, potentially even points deductions.
"I would like to see referees at the final whistle moving towards the tunnel rather than standing in the middle looking for handshakes and any complimentary comments," said Hackett, speaking to Football Insider. "This will, I feel, reduce any tensions that have built up in the game.
"I hope that the level of fines will receive a more controlled approach by the manager and his assistant." Liverpool coach Sipke Hulshoff also received a two-match suspension and £7,000 fine.
Hackett continued: "If these fines going forward do not have the desired effect then we may see points deductions coming into play. The last time they used that sanction for an on-field mass confrontation was in the game between Manchester United vs Arsenal (in November 1990), where I was the man in the middle."
There are currently no regulations regarding point penalties for outbursts at officials. But what precisely are the existing rules that might lead to a points deduction?
The Manchester Evening News has examined the current points deduction guidelines to spare you the complexity.
What are the current rules that warrant point deductions?
Teams throughout the English football hierarchy can face point losses for several reasons, with financial discrepancies, breaching league protocols, or general misconduct being among the most significant causes.
Financial Irregularities
Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)
One of the most frequent reasons for clubs receiving points deductions is due to violations of the Profit and Sustainability Regulations. These rules limit expenditure on transfers, wages, and agents' fees.
For instance, Everton were docked 10 points in the 2020-21 season for exceeding allowed losses. Nottingham Forest also received a four-point deduction for similar breaches.
Providing inaccurate financial information
Premier League clubs can also lose points for failing to provide accurate information about sponsorship deals and player and manager payments, among other things. The ongoing legal dispute between City and the league allegedly concerns this category.
Breaking League Rules
Administration
Although less common in the Premier League, with Portsmouth becoming the first club to enter administration in 2010, clubs can be penalised with point deductions for administrative issues. Bury, Bolton Wanderers, Derby County and Wigan Athletic are high-profile clubs receiving point deductions in recent seasons.
On-pitch incidents
As Hackett hinted in his remarks, clubs can lose points for on-pitch incidents, such as brawls. Arsenal and United were docked points in 1990 following a melee.
Misconduct
Clubs can also face point deductions for acts of discrimination, assault, physical or attempted physical contact against a match official.