Owner’s anger and frustration as players fail Covid-19 tests

Posh - Co-owner speaks out on the week’s big talking points

Posh co-owner Darragh MacAnthony has spoken of his frustration at losing two players from the opening game of the League One season because of failed coronavirus tests.

On- loan midfielder Reece Brown and star striker Siriki Dembele both missed the defeat at Accrington Stanley last Saturday.

It’s understood Brown started showing Covid-19 symptomsaftermakingatrip to Birmingham, whileMacAnthony revealed Dembele tested positive after the entire squad was sent for a test as a precaution following Brown’s positive diagnosis.

MacAnthonysaid:“It’s very frustrating as we had worked so hard to get everything right in termsofaprotectivebubble and regular testing.

“I’m angry. The club was hurt by how last season ended and we have to be on a mission to put that right and if that meansstayinginabubble to make sure we don’t catch the virus then that’s what we should do. We did everything right as wewantedtostart the season strongly so to lose two players from the first team three days before the first game was very irritating.

“We can’t have our first selection of the season affected by a virus we know how to avoid.

“DoyouthinktherewaseverachanceofCristianoRonaldo catching Covid days before a Juventus game? I think not. Players need to act responsibly. They earn six figures a year. They need to invest in their own career by looking after their bodies.

“If youcatchthevirus from a family member there isn’t a lot you could have done, but players can’t beflyingoffhere, there and everywhere and putting themselves at risk. “That’s unacceptable. “Is there anything wrong with staying indoors for a few days before a game? If it was my career and if I earn my money because of my body I wouldmakesureIlookafterit.

“The season lasts eight or nine months and if we have to live in a bubble to be successful that’s what we should be doing. I’m probably wrong in saying it, but I am very frustrated.”

Reece Brown