England's Health Protection Agency has warned footballers that spitting on the pitch could increase the chances of contracting pandemic influenza A (H1N1), also known as Mexican flu.

A number of players and technical staff at two Premier League sides, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, have already been diagnosed with pandemic influenza.
 

An HPA spokesperson says football clubs should discourage players from spitting on the pitch, "spitting is disgusting at all times. It's unhygienic and unhealthy, particularly if you spit close to other people, " adding, "certainly, spitting is a nasty habit that should be discouraged. It's about setting an example to young people who idolise them".

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says he is not worried, even though Chelsea played Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. Mr Ancelotti said "My players will continue to shake hands and exchange shirts at the end of the match. The flu is not only on the pitch, it's everywhere".