Everton seek to harness ‘fuel’ of points penalty as fans plan series of protests

Despite their recent upturn in form, Everton find themselves plunged into another desperate relegation battle. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, has claimed the club’s 10-point deduction for a breach of the Premier League’s financial rules will provide “additional fuel” for Sean Dyche’s team in their fight to avoid relegation.

Everton remain stunned by the severity of the punishment last week for breaching permitted losses by £19.5m over a three-year period up to 2021-22. The club’s appeal against the biggest sporting sanction in Premier League history will be submitted this week. A series of protests by Everton fans will start with a demonstration outside the Premier League’s headquarters in London on Friday.