Aston Villa's fellow Premier League club deducted four points

Aston Villa's fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest have been docked four points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

The Reds have sunk into the relegation zone along with Sheffield United and Burnley. Luton Town have now risen out of the bottom three.

They have become the second team in the league to have had points taken off them this season behind Everton. The Toffees lost 10 before getting a further four back recently.

Nottingham Forest can appeal the decision and are expected to do so.

Statement

The Premier League's statement reads: "Nottingham Forest deducted four points following a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

"An independent Commission has applied an immediate four-point deduction to Nottingham Forest FC for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) for the period ending Season 2022/23.

"Nottingham Forest was referred to an independent Commission on 15 January, following an admission by the club that it had breached the relevant PSR threshold of £61 million by £34.5 million. The threshold was lower than £105 million as the club spent two seasons of the assessment period in the EFL Championship.

"The case was heard in accordance with new Premier League Rules, which provide an expedited timetable for PSR cases to be resolved in the same season the complaint is issued.

"The independent Commission determined the sanction following a two-day hearing this month, at which the club had the opportunity to detail a range of mitigating factors.

"The Commission found that the club had demonstrated 'exceptional cooperation' in its dealings with the Premier League throughout the process."

Aston Villa lost 2-0 away at Nottingham Forest earlier in this campaign at the City Ground. However, Unai Emery's men beat them 4-2 at Villa Park last time they faced each other in February after goals by Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Douglas Luiz (x2).