Nuno Espirito Santo has questioned why the Premier League has allowed a situation to develop where Burnley could effectively be relegated without kicking a ball this week.
Nottingham Forest expect to discover whether their appeal over a four-point sanction for breaching profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) after Monday, May 6.
If Nuno’s side are given back even a single point it would mean Burnley’s return to the Championship would be all but confirmed — barring an unlikely goal difference swing of 17 in their final two matches — by a decision made over a desk, rather than on the pitch.
Forest are hopeful that their own survival hopes will be bolstered by a positive verdict to their appeal hearing, which took place on Wednesday April 24.
But head coach Nuno has concerns that one of their relegation rivals could now have their fate confirmed in such a manner, after a delay in returning a verdict.
“I think they (the Premier League) had time to avoid what might happen,” said Nuno, following Saturday’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United, which took them a step closer to safety. “We are waiting to see the final decisions and see if we have 33, 32, 31 or 30 points.
“This is what we have to know, and for our opponents also. It (the hearing verdict) should have been done before.”
Forest expected a verdict from their appeal last Wednesday, seven days after the hearing had been held.
And Nuno believes the integrity of the Premier League would have been better protected had a verdict come before Forest won at Bramall Lane and Burnley suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.
Forest are on 29 points, three points ahead of 18th-placed Luton Town, on 26 points. Burnley are two points behind Luton, with two games left to play. With Forest boasting a superior goal difference (-18 vs -35), even a point returned to Forest would effectively relegate Vincent Kompany’s side.
Forest would be left to fight it out with Luton to avoid the final relegation place.
“People have spoken about the integrity of the league and it’s not good for anyone,” said Nuno. “They have to get it right.”
Forest face Chelsea at the City Ground on Saturday, while Burnley are away at Tottenham Hotspur and Luton are at West Ham United.
GO DEEPER
Premier League relegation: Forest, Luton, Burnley – who could go down and when?
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