Everton have been embroiled in an ongoing feud with the Premier League all season.
It is a relationship completely severed now, and the toxicity felt between the two is no greater exemplified than through the manner in which Goodison Park rings out with boos when the division’s anthem plays.
Many high-profile names have condemned them for the unlawful treatment of the Toffees, but even their relentless persecution could not force them into the Championship.
However, Micah Richards has now outlined how those coming up from the second tier might be left feeling somewhat worried by the manner in which things have played out in the relegation battle this season.
Micah Richards condemns Premier League for Everton treatment
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, released earlier today, the former Manchester City and Aston Villa full-back was rather scathing in his assessment of the Premier League this season.
After all, it has been a tumultuous year for the division and its brand, seeking to save face and showcase a strong front as the threat of an independent regulator has loomed.
Everton and Nottingham Forest were clearly the chosen targets, as a couple of low-hanging fruit, but the backlash the deductions have caused has arguably not been worth the hassle.
Richards is the latest to vocalise his frustration with the decision, but takes a different viewpoint to most by framing it from a Championship perspective.
His unique insight is valuable, as he noted: ‘The only thing though, going back to your original question is, don’t forget Forest got docked points, Everton got docked points as well. So when you ask about the gap… it is a worrying sign.
‘I know we’ve talked about the financials, we won’t go into that today but, teams coming up and other teams getting docked points and they’re still not managing to stay up.’
The Premier League have damaged their own brand
In attacking the Toffees and the Tricky Trees, the Premier League have made two enemies for life now.
The ease with which they condemned these two historic giants of English football was laughable, and showcased the blatant disregard their actions could have had on the players, managers and fans, all of whom were innocent bystanders throughout the process.
Sean Dyche’s tenure was not tied to the years for which they were punished, yet he was the one forced to guide Everton through the storm.
Equally, the fans played no part in Farhad Moshiri’s regression, yet they suffered arguably more than anyone.
The Premier League and Richard Masters were thoughtless and reckless in their treatment of these pillars of their community, and their fragility has arguably never been more exacerbated.