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Everton flags tell Premier League ‘hang your heads in shame’ over ‘corrupt’ 10-point deduction

Everton fans display banners in protest against their 10-point deduction
Everton fans display banners in protest against their 10-point deduction at Goodison Park - Jason Cairnduff/Reuters

Everton fans continued their protests against their 10-point deduction by the Premier League with a wide range of banners unfurled before kick-off at Goodison Park.

A hearing is set to take place in the new year to consider Everton’s appeal against a punishment for breaching the Premier League’s financial sustainability rules.

The decision prompted widespread protests which had led to supporters booing the Premier League anthem before kick-off in the games since.

But fans also aired their creative streaks with a colourful collection of banners that filled the Gwladys Street End of Goodison before kick-off.

A number of colourful placards featured the Premier League logo and the slogan “Corrupt.”

Another, home-made, effort read “Where there is greed and money, there is corruption.”

And a huge yellow banner was unfurled, covering about one-third of the lower deck, proclaiming: “An independent review to avoid an independent regulator.”

Everton fans display banners in protest against their 10-point deduction
Everton fans fill the Gwladys Street End with an array of messages for the Premier League - Peter Powell/AFP

Yet another went for a more emotive message, declaring: “Sporting sanction for no sporting advantage. Premier League hang your heads in shame. We shall not be moved.”

There was also a brisk business in the more simple forms of expression with supporters handing out cards with the league’s logo and the catchy slogan “Corrupt10n.”

It was an impressive example of the mobilisation that has greeted the Premier League decision in the four games since it was assessed – this, the third of those to be played at Goodison.

The latest commentary follows physical protests that preceded the home defeat by Manchester United at Goodison and saw a group stage a demonstration outside Premier League headquarters.

Supporters’ coaches for the recent visit to Nottingham Forest also flashed the words “Premier League Corrupt” on the LED screens at the front.

The Premier League has been approached for a response.