MJP_Exeter
Well-known Exeweb poster
I 100% agree with this. Reading are appallingly run, but the media seem to only focus on the pain of the fans at the club, Like when Bury won the league only to go bust straight after the season finished and I think that cost us a promotion or playoff spot as well. There is no focus on the consequences to other clubs at all and that needs to change. I personally think harsher penalties for re-offence should be in place.We don't need that to happen to survive this season anyway, but on the much bigger principle, you are seriously missing the point.
Some points deductions may be harsh (fans' protests) but when it comes to financial mismanagement - or cheating - we should welcome them. So should every football fan.
Clubs that ignore the rules are committing a crime with real victims, namely the clubs who follow the rules, like Exeter City. For example, Swindon got promoted in 2020 when we missed out, and later they had points deducted ... but in League One. Not much use for other L2 clubs who had to play against Swindon's players who they couldn't really pay for.
Reading probably won't get relegated this season but if they do it will be justified because the club is shockingly run, and bills aren't paid. Football needs more punishment for clubs like that, not less.
(And yes, ECFC was shockingly run in 2002/3, didn't pay the bills, and if rules had been stricter then, might have gone into the Conference with a points deduction. Fair enough too).