First Everton star breaks silence on Premier League points deduction as squad reaction revealed

Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin has become the first Toffees player to speak out after the club were given a 10-point deduction by the Premier League.

Sean Dyche's side are now 19th in the table after the deduction, with only Burnley below them due to their inferior goal difference.

In an official club statement, Everton described the punishment as a 'wholly disproportionate and unjust sporting sanction'.

Fans are unsurprisingly equally furious, and one supporters' group is planning a plane fly-over protest during Manchester City's clash against Liverpool on Saturday - due to Everton's game being played under floodlights.

There are also claims that an 'atmosphere march' will be held outside Goodison Park on Sunday, with Dyche's side taking on Manchester United at 4:30pm.

In the days that followed the announcement of the deduction, no Everton players made any comment on social media or official club channels.

Now, however, ahead of the United clash, Toffees forward Calvert-Lewin - who could play a key role in taking the club back up the Premier League table - has broken his silence on behalf of the squad.

He told the club's official website: "I'm sure the fans will be ready [for the game]. Us as players, we'll prepare the same as normal and make sure we're ready to put in a performance and collect the three points.

"I think, given the circumstances, I've sensed a lot of unity and togetherness.

"We were off on the international break when the [points deduction] news broke, but coming back in this week, I don't feel like it has fazed us players.

"We know, as a group, we can't affect that. All we cam affect is what's in front of us - and that's the game on Sunday, so we're looking forward to that."

Calvert-Lewin has netted three goals in nine Premier League appearances this season, and will be hoping to score another to defeat United at Goodison Park and potentially lift Everton out of the relegation zone.

Topics: Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Premier League, Manchester United

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.