I think it’s a massive blunder/bottle-job by the club to not put “we are pleased the IC viewed that many if not most of the criticisms levelled against the Club (#EFC) by the Premier League are unwarranted, overstated, or both." in our response statement.
Literally quoting the report, totally permissible and could not be seen as argumentative. Forests statement was FAR more acerbic despite their supposed bum kissing cooperation.
That paragraph will have been noted by a few thousand Evertonians and about 5 journalists. The club statement has been on Sky, BBC, radio, all news outlets. Complete open goal missed by not putting that paragraph out to millions.