Peterborough United chairman happy to play out the League One season behind closed doors: ‘it’s time to stop moaning and just get on with it’

Petreborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony would be happy to see the League One season played out to a finish behind closed doors.

The EFL has proposed a scenario that sees clubs return to training in the middle of May with the rest of the season played out in 56 days with no fans present. Posh have nine League One matches left, plus the possibility of three play-off games.

The plans have not been met with universal support from fans, but MacAnthony believes it might be the only realistic way to finish the current campaign.

“I have no problem with the plan,” MacAnthony admitted. “I thought we might be back in training earlier than May 16 like in Germany, but if we have to play the rest of the games in 56 days behind closed doors let’s just get it done.

“It’s not ideal and I know some people are saying it’s crazy and ridiculous, but thee people tend to be at clubs who are in danger of relegation or have nothing to play for.

“I understand self-preservation, but we have to protect the integrity of our competition and the clubs have contracts they need to fulful with regards sponsorship and other financial deals which we might end up forfeiting if we just stop the season and start again next season.

“I believe the risks of sports professionals becioming infected are minimal. I believe there is a controlled way of getting the season finished and we should just do it now. We need to stop all the moaning and get on with it.

“Clubs will lose money from not having home attendances, but it wouldn’t be as catastrophic as losing the TV and sponsor money as well.

“Football without fans is not great, but football without clubs would be much worse and that could happen in the lower divisions.

“I’ve been watching axe throwing on the television so watching Posh behind closed doors is very attractive compared to that!”

MacAnthony is currently in self-isolation lockdown with his family in Florida.

“I’ve been climbing the walls to be honest,” MacAnthony added. “One the one hand we all have to be concerned about health, but we also have to plan for a return to normal life.”