An independent commission's decision to dock Everton 10 points for breaching Premier League financial rules could have seismic ramifications, and the fallout is being felt well beyond Goodison.
Stunned Everton fans may take some comfort from the sense they at least now know where they stand. But while the severity of the punishment meted out may have dismayed many, there is a very real danger that the situation facing the club could soon become even more serious.
The most obvious outstanding questions facing Everton are: whether the points deduction will ultimately condemn the club to relegation, and also, what the outcome of any appeal will be.