West Brom's EFL point deduction leaves bitter taste and so many more questions

As everybody got the opportunity to digest the Baggies’ club statement, a sense of incredulity descended.

A two-day independent commission hearing, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, needed just 24 hours to rule Albion guilty of a profit and sustainability (PSR) breach.

Albion’s club statement confirmed the breach was down to ‘in-kind donations’ to community matters, namely support for The Albion Foundation.

It was also suggested that the goalposts moved, in terms of regulations when it comes to PSR loss limits, earlier this year after the submission of club accounts by December 31.

There are some very concerning and uncomfortable goings on here.

It does not stop there. Timing has been a big gripe of all involved in this controversial allegation. The charge emerged at the end of March - three months after Albion handed in their figures seemingly in good faith.

There is so much on the line for James Morrison’s side.

Indeed, it is only spectacular work from Morrison at the helm, and a nine-match unbeaten run, that has bailed out dreadful sporting decisions in an awful season at The Hawthorns.

But the allegation left everybody in limbo, not least the staff and players. Morrison did a remarkable job to blank it all out and continue to deliver success.

Safety might have - should have - been secured with Tuesday’s impressive 3-0 win over Watford.

But Friday’s late-afternoon verdict put paid to that.

The timing of yesterday’s verdict has drawn an unhappy response from The Hawthorns and it is very clear why.

The hearing was completed in two days, rapid enough, but a decision on an outcome in barely 24 hours is said to be the quickest of its kind. Usually those kind of verdicts can take several weeks.

Cynics could claim the whole ordeal has been swiftly rushed through with an eye on sorting things out before the final day of the season next weekend. It does nothing for sporting integrity.

There is an irony everybody of an Albion perspective were keen on an outcome of this uncomfortable ordeal, but a verdict in 24 hours seems convenient.

There is the uncomfortable element of no written reasons.

Albion delivered their response without having seen the reasons. Without knowing their exact breach - other than it was less than £2million. It is said to be the smallest breach of its kind in history. The club are unhappy there has been no formal reasoning to digest.

This is all before we get on to the uncomfortable outcome of, as Albion say, a breach due to support of community matters.

Albion deliver so much support to those in need in Sandwell and beyond through their charity arm.

I have seen those priceless events first-hand and the difference they make.

Owner Shilen Patel and his family have community support at heart. Philanthropic values are at the very core of their beliefs.

It leaves an even more sour taste when you consider the ongoing alleged behaviours of Premier League heavyweights Manchester City and Chelsea.

If Albion have breached then they have breached. If they knew the rules and they have breached then the punishment is tough to argue.

But if, as suggested, the guidelines were changed once the accounts were in, then clearly Albion will have their right to appeal.

Albion signed off their statement with a bombshell line of “for now, we will settle this on the pitch.”

Regardless of the outcome against Ipswich there is plenty of miles left in this race.