'Don't spit to avoid swine flu'

The Romanian Football League on Saturday called on players not to spit pitchside amid fears of potentially spreading swine flu.

"Following information linked to the spread of the H1N1 virus the League is recommending that officials of top flight clubs ask players and technical staff no longer to spit on the grass nor expel water used to rinse out their mouths," the statement said. "We suggest that coaches unable to desist (from spitting) wear a protective medical mask," the League went on, adding, with a hint of irony, that they could also use a sealable receptacle for expelled saliva.