Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said his side must “ignore the noise” after they gained a much-needed victory in the race for Premier League survival.
Forest’s 3-1 win over Fulham put a three-point cushion between them and the drop zone and, coupled with the point they earned against Crystal Palace on Saturday, meant they overturned the four-point deduction they received for breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
“It was tough to take when the points were taken from us,” said Nuno. “But we stick together, let’s ignore the noise and try to do our job. There’s still a long way to go.”
The top-flight relegation battle has intensified in recent weeks as Everton, another team in trouble after receiving a six-point deduction on appeal for financial breaches, gained a vital point against Newcastle to move four clear of 18th-placed Luton.
Meanwhile, Burnley may have given themselves a chance after they extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a draw against Wolves.
Back-to-back draws for Sheffield United have given them a glimmer of hope, while Luton also remain in the bottom three as both face tough games at Liverpool and Arsenal.
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While Nottingham Forest’s four-point deduction has been applied, they will appeal the decision, which could complicate matters for them.
Everton had a 10-point deduction imposed in November, which was reduced to six on appeal in February, for PSR breaches in the three-year period up to and including 2021-22. However, in January, they were charged again over alleged breaches in their accounts for 2022-23.
If they are found to have breached financial rules again, they face another points deduction. A verdict is expected during April and would be subject to appeal. Any appeals could take that process to May 24, the week after the season concludes on May 19, although the belief is any appeal would be sorted before the final day.
