Newcastle United & Manchester United given hidden Premier League boost after rejected appeal

The battle to stay in the Premier League remains alive after Nottingham Forest’s appeal over a four-point deduction for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) was rejected. And ahead of the penultimate weekend of the season, it could have a knock on effect on the race for European qualification.

Forest were docked four points by an independent commission appointed by the Premier League in March having overspent by £34.5million over a three-year period. Under current rules, English top-flight clubs are permitted to lose £105m over three seasons.

The Reds appealed the initial punishment and in a club statement said they were “extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions before the commission”.

In an appeal led Nick De Marco KC - who was involved in the legal proceedings regarding Newcastle United’s PIF takeover - it had been suggested Forest would get some points back, however The Athletic have revealed the independent commission has decided to uphold the original penalty. It means Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain 17th in the Premier League table, three points clear of Luton Town with two games left to play.

The impact on the European race

While the decision comes as a boost to relegation rivals Luton Town and Burnley, it could also have a knock-on effect on the race for European qualification.

Luton visit West Ham United on Saturday afternoon, while Burnley are away to Tottenham Hotspur at the same kick-off time of 3pm. Then, at 5:30pm, Nottingham Forest host Chelsea, where those earlier results will make the Reds aware of what is required in order to secure their Premier League status before the final day.

If Luton lose at West Ham then Forest will effectively be safe because of their superior goal difference, however a point against Chelsea would mathematically guarantee. The same result would relegate Burnley, although they will do that themselves if they lose at Spurs.

Should Luton win then Forest would need to beat Chelsea to avoid a final day showdown. Any incentive for Espirito Santo’s men would be welcomed greatly by those on Tyneside and at Manchester United.

As it stands, Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table, two points ahead of Chelsea in 7th. Meanwhile, Man United dropped to 8th over the bank holiday weekend after losing to Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Eddie Howe’s side are at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday before Man Utd host Premier League title chasers Arsenal 24 hours later.