Second Peterborough United player self-isolates as chairman calls for loans to help lower league clubs through a crisis while criticising current coronavirus guidelines

Posh will lose revenue from at least two home games after all EFL games were postponed until at least until April 3 this morning to combat the coronavirus threat. One of those matches would have been televised so Posh will lose out on an extra income boost.

MacAnthony has also revealed a second Posh player has now self-isolated and he’s criticised the procedures currently in place to deal with the crisis.

“The EFL has made the right decision to postpone matches,” MacAnthony said in an interview with talksSport today (March 13). “We should all reconvene in three weeks time to see where we are and hopefully the UK Government will be able to lead us in a better way then they have so far.

“We have now had two players self-isolate. They contacted the manager last night to say they were showing symptoms. The club doctor gave them the helpline number to ring and they were both told there was no-one able to see them so they should just stay at home for seven days.

“That’s fine, but we meed to know whether or not they have the virus. Premier League clubs can test their players, but we have been unable to do. The guidelines have not been clear enough.

“It’s a problem for clubs now because we are dealing with athletes who need to keep training to stay fit. It’s been a confusing and frustrating time for sure.

“Obviously the biggest cause for concern is everyone’s health, but there will now be income shortfalls which will hurt lower league clubs in particular.

“We have lost two home games at a time when we are also trying to sell season tickets. Wages still have to be paid.

“There is plenty of money around in football and it shouldn’t be beyond the Premier League or whoever to loan lower division clubs between £300-400k.

“The matches will be played eventually and the loans could be paid back over two-to-three years.”

Posh were due to play at Bolton Wanderers tomorrow (March 14). Home games against Bristol Rovers (March 21) and Blackpool (March 29) have also been postponed. The Blackpool game was scheduled to be shown live on Sky TV.

As things stand Posh are due to be back in action on Saturday, April 4 at League One leaders Coventry City.