Sheffield United appeared to be given a relegation lifeline by the Premier League in a now-deleted tweet.
The Blades were ruthlessly relegated to the Championship after being battered 5-1 by Newcastle United on Saturday. Their drubbing at St. James' Park meant they became the first side in the top division to concede 97 goals in a single campaign.
Yet, as Chris Wilder's side and their fans were licking their wounds, a social media post from the division appeared to suggest there may be hope for them yet. A tweet from the Premier League's official X account, which was deleted just under four hours later, seemed to suggest Everton and Nottingham Forest could be deducted more points.
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TNT SportThe tweet said: “Following their defeat to Newcastle, Sheffield Utd are relegated pending Everton and Nottingham Forest's points-deduction appeals."
Both Everton and Forest are appealing their recent points deductions for breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules. The Toffees have already seen one ten-point penalty be reduced to six points, only to then be deducted another two for a further breach.
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Sandwiched between the Toffees' punishments, Forest were given a four point penalty. They also launched an appeal in response. Although the Blades appear to be doomed to the Championship, the appeals process for points deductions holds the possibility for more points to be taken away from Everton and Forest.
In such an event, Sheffield United could temporarily stave off relegation mathematically. However, given their hopeless situation at the bottom of the table, it remains unlikely they would be able to pull off an escape.
Everton's 1-0 home victory over Brentford means they are now 20 points above the Blades with less than three matches to go. Forest are currently ten points in front of the Blades.
Wilder's side host Forest in their next home match on May 4. It would have been billed as a potential relegation decider, were they not already consigned to Championship football for next year.
The Yorkshire club head to Everton for their final Premier League away match of the season, before finishing the campaign against Tottenham at Bramall Lane.
