Chairman of Portsmouth rivals Peterborough angered by duo's absence at Accrington after positive Covid-19 test results

Both Siriki Dembele and Reece Brown were forced to sit out the Posh’s League One game at the Crown Grounf after they contracted Covid-19.

Peterborough, who are again one of Pompey’s main promotion rivals, subsequently lost the game 2-0.

Both players are available for this weekend’s game against Fleetwood.

But MacAnthony, who joined the Blues in opposing the curtailment of the 2019-20 season because of the pandemic, said he was irritated that team selection had been impacted despite the presence of a protective bubble.

The Peterborough chairman said in his The Hard Truth podcast: ‘It’s very frustrating as we had worked so hard to get everything right in terms of a protective bubble 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 means staying in a bubble to make sure we don’t catch the virus then that’s what we should do.

‘We did everything right as we wanted to start 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.

‘Do you think there was ever a chance of Cristiano Ronaldo 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 you catch the virus from a family member there isn’t a lot you could have done, but players can’t be flying off here, 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’s my career and if I earn my money because of my body I would make sure I look after it.

‘The season lasts eight/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.’