Insists he’s not the bad guy in this crisis

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has refuted suggestions his outspoken views during the coronavirus crisis have revealed a self-centred man happy to see rival clubs go out of business.

MacAnthony has drawn flak from fans of League One clubs because of his vocal leadership of the bid by promotionchasing teams to play out the 2019-20 season.

That bid looks unlikely to succeed although the Posh coowner insists the fight will go on until the result of a decisive vote on June 1.

MacAnthony said: “I’ve had a lot thrown at me in recent weeks, but the most hurtful accusation is that I’m trying to hurt clubs, to put them out of business.

“Nothing could be further from the truth.

“I’m the one who has been fighting on behalf of all the clubs.

“I’m the one who has been putting ideas out there on how to get financial help from the PFA, from the Premier League and from the EFL to help all clubs get through this crisis.

“I now want to put systems in place to make sure we can get through crises in the future.

“I’m a football person who wants the clubs to play football again. The ones who would rather hibernate than play are the problem.

“Of course I will fight for my club.

“It’s my job. And I believe passionately that we should still carry on and complete the season rather than accept a points-per-game solution that is simply unfair.

“We’ve been given the green light to play by the Government so we should be playing. The Premier League and the Championship are going to play and so should we.

“Hibernating will do us no favours in the long run and those top divisions might even break away.

“It isn’t looking great for my club this season, but the fat lady isn’t singing just yet, she’s just clearing her throat.

“I live in hope and I will continue to fight for my club.

“From minute one I’ve wanted to finish the season.

“But if the vote goes against us we’ll deal with it. I will take my licking, dust myself down and go again.”

MacAnthony has now played down suggestions he will sue other clubs if the crucial vote goes against Posh.

“I have taken legal advice, as have many clubs, as it’s the sensible thing to do in business,” MacAnthony added.

“And I have been told we have a very strong case.

“But I was tired when I made those comments about sueing other clubs. It’s not something I will be doing.”

The EFL need to change their regulations to be able to end the current season early and award promotions.

They need support from 51% of their clubs to allow it and then League One clubs can vote to award promotions on a points-per-game average.

Darragh MacAnthony