Peterborough United chief says clubs should be expelled from the EFL if they strike over the cost of re-starting the lower divisions

MacAnthony was responding to an article in ‘The Athetic’ which suggested a dozen lower division clubs were considering strike action because of the cost of testing players and staff for Covid-19.

Currently clubs are expected to carry that cost themselves. Posh have already forked out for two lots of testing ahead of the first-team squad’s expected return to training today (July 21). Those tests can cost £125 apiece and need to be repeated monthly.

MacAnthony said: “The testing rules will be reduced shortly in my opinion so all the panicky media articles like the one in ’The Athletic’ and the strike threats, if true. need to stop.

“If teams went on strike over starting up our leagues again, they should be expelled from the EFL as TV deals will be cancelled.’

There is also concern for some clubs over starting the new season behind closed doors.

Posh expect the League One season to start on September 12. That date should be confirmed at the end of this week.