Swine flu doctors tell footballers to stop spitting

IT IS one of the most common complaints from spectators of the beautiful game.

And yesterday, footballers were warned that spitting during games is not only unattractive, but could increase the risk of spreading swine flu.

The warning comes as players at two Premier League clubs in England were struck down by the virus, prompting fears that it could spread to other teams and players. Blackburn and Bolton both had a number of players showing signs of the virus ahead of their Carling Cup matches this week.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the "disgusting" habit – a common sight at many matches – could lead to infections being passed on.

The HPA said spitting should be discouraged by football clubs as experts attempt to halt the spread of the infection.

"Spitting is disgusting at all times. It's unhygienic and unhealthy, particularly if you spit close to other people," said a HPA spokesman. "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.

"Certainly, spitting is a nasty habit that should be discouraged – and it should be discouraged by the football clubs."

The agency also voiced concern that youngsters might be influenced by top Scottish and English Premier League players they see spitting, and that, in their position of responsibility, they should refrain.

The HPA said that footballers should follow the same guidelines as other members of the public by washing their hands, covering their mouths when sneezing and disposing of used tissues.

The warning comes after two more Scottish people died of swine flu on Sunday, taking the total death toll linked to the virus in Scotland to 23 – more than double the figure at the start of the month.

A vaccination programme that started last week among hospital patients and staff is now being extended to cover all 1.3 million in at-risk groups.

The first people to receive the jabs will include pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions and people who are living with patients with compromised immune systems.

Last night, a Scottish Government spokesman said: "We would expect everyone in Scotland to practise good hygiene at a time of increasing estimated cases of H1N1."