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Liverpool are closing in on their first Premier League title under Arne Slot, with the Reds boasting a 13-point advantage over Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal with just 11 games remaining.
Liverpool look set to win a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title this season.
Aston Villa’s Premier League rivals sit 13 points clear as the season heads into its final 11 matches. Despite having a game in hand, Second-placed Arsenal have not capitalised on Manchester City’s poor form, leaving Liverpool, under Arne Slot, poised for the league title.
However, recent events, including calls for a Liverpool points deduction, have sparked speculation about Arsenal’s chances. The controversy intensified after Liverpool manager Slot reportedly launched a tirade against referee Michael Oliver post-Everton match, resulting in a fine and touchline ban.
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Ex-PGMOL boss Keith Hackett has since advocated for harsher penalties like points deductions, telling Football Insider: “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.
“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.
“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 v Arsenal (in the 1990s) where I was the man in the middle.”
Slot also expressed regret over his past actions, admitting: “It happened a lot and the emotions got the better of me,” and wishing “If I could do it differently, If I look back at it, I would love to do it differently. I would do it (differently) next time as well.”
So, what are the current rules surrounding points deductions for Premier League clubs? Below,
What are the current rules that warrant points deductions?
Football clubs across the English pyramid can be deducted points for various reasons, the most prominent of those including financial irregularities, breaking league rules, or misconduct.
Financial irregularities
Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)One of the most common reasons clubs can be deducted points is for for breaking the Profit and Sustainability Regulations, which limits spending on transfers, wages, and agents’ fees. Only recently, Everton were deducted 10 points in 2020-21 for exceeding permitted losses, while Nottingham Forest were also given a four points deduction similar rule breaches.
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Providing accurate financial informationPremier league clubs can be also deducted points for failing to provide accurate information about sponsorship deals, player and manager payments, and more. Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle with the top flight after they were alleged to have broken 115 rules would likely fall into this bracket.
Breaking league rules
Administration: Less common in the top flight with Portsmouth becoming the first Premier League club to enter administration in 2010, clubs can be deducted points for administration issues with Bury, Bolton, Derby County and Wigan some high profile clubs given points deductions in recent seasons.
On-pitch incidents: As Hackett alluded to in his comments, clubs can be deducted points for on-pitch incidents, such as fights, with Arsenal and Manchester United were deducted points in 1990 following a brawl.
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