Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has slammed the Premier League for failing to dock West Ham points over the signings of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez - and admits he hopes the Hammers are relegated this weekend, writes NEIL ANDREWS.

The east London club were fined £5.5m by an independent commission after a two-day hearing last month, but crucially escaped a points penalty and are now well placed to avoid the drop with just one game remaining.

A 'Gang of Four' comprising Fulham, Wigan, Sheffield United and Charlton are currently considering a legal challenge to the ruling, and while Lamb does not foresee Boro taking part in any litigation, he is angry at the commission's apparent leniency.

In 1997, the Teessiders were docked three points after failing to play Blackburn due to illnesses and injuryand they were subsequently relegated from the top flight.

''I consider what happened to us to be a far more trivial and genuine set of circumstances,'' said Lamb.

''I have made our views known to the Premier League as to how lenient we feel West Ham's penalty was.

''Why it has taken from January to April to investigate and then judge on it, I don't know. I think it's been dealt with in a very poor way by the Premier League.''

''We are not seeking legal advice, but I have let the Premier League know we are very disappointed. I'll be smiling on Sunday if West Ham are relegated.''