Published: 28 October, 2009, 14:49
Edited: 28 October, 2009, 16:47
Footballers in the English Premier League have been told to stop spitting on the pitch. The measure is aimed at stopping the spread of swine flu among players and fans.
Certain players from Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers have been diagnosed with ÃÂ/H1N1 flu in the past few days, which was enough to put the country’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) on alert.
The name of those infected have not been revealed, but the information was confirmed by both club’s managers.
“Spitting is disgusting at all times. It's unhygienic and unhealthy, particularly if you spit close to other people,” an HPA spokesman told Tribalfootball.com.
“Footballers, like the rest of us, wouldn't spit indoors, so they shouldn't do it on the football pitch. If they are spitting near other people it could certainly increase the risk of passing on infections,” he added.
Nothing has been said about punishing those who infringe the ban, such as potential fines or receiving yellow or red cards on the pitch.