The Health Protection Agency has come out publicly urging Premiership footballers to stop spitting during matches in an attempt to “halt” the spread of H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

I get it, I really do.  But it’s pretty obvious that not a single member of the HPA has ever played the game at a high level, because it they have,  they’d know that it is virtually impossible to play without having phlegm build up in your mouth in warm or cold weather.

Via Guardian 

The Health Protection Agency said the “disgusting” habit – a common sight at many matches – could lead to infections being passed on. Blackburn and Bolton both have a number of players showing signs of the virus ahead of their Carling Cup matches this week.

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 an 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. Spitting is a nasty habit that should be discouraged – and it should be discouraged by the clubs. It’s about setting examples for young people who idolise footballers.”

The spokesman added that footballers should follow the same guidelines as other members of the public by washing their hands, covering their mouth when sneezing and disposing of used tissues. “The advice is catch it, bin it, kill it,” he said.

Image via LegalJuice