Peterborough United chief wants fans in the Weston Homes Stadium from the start of the season

Currently no fans will be allowed in football stadia until October, but Posh have at least two cup games and a League One fixture at London Road before then,

MacAnthony told the Sun newspaper: “It is absolutely vital we get supporters back inside grounds. Football without fans is terrible, but we shouldn’t have to wait until October.

“The Government and football authorities should be making sure fans are on our terraces for the start of the season.

“If people are sensible going out to shops and restaurants, they will be sensible at football grounds. We have to trust football fans.

“Do I want to go to our ground for the first few games and see loads of Posh fans over 60? Of course I don’t. They should be at home protecting themselves.

“But do I want to see other fans who are being careful and wearing masks? Of course I do. We are all quite far down the line with Covid and we know how to behave.

“For the start of the season, we should be able to use between 30 and 40 per cent of our capacities.

“If you can have bowling alleys open now, we should have football grouns open.

“At Peterborough our capacity is 15,000. So with season ticket holders and a few casual ticket fans, we could get 4,000 inside self-distancing.”

Posh open their competitive season with a Carabao Cup tie at home to Cheltenham on September 5. They then host Burton in an EFL Trophy tie on September 8 before travelling to Accrington Stanley for the opening League One fixture on September 12.

Posh have one home League One match in September, against Fleetwood Town on September 19.