H1N1 panic is spreading the globe, and soccer is not immune. Several players have been infected, so naturally everyone is freaking out that a widespread outbreak would wreak havoc on league fixtures. A match between Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain was canceled over the weekend after 3 PSG players got swine flu.

With everyone worried about the sickness, Britain’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) is calling for players to stop spitting on the ground, which they say could spread the virus.

The spokesman for the HPA said:

“Spitting is disgusting at all times.

“It’s unhygienic and unhealthy, particularly if you spit close to other people.

“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 clubs.

“It’s about setting examples for young people who idolise them.”

In addition to spitting, here are some other things the HPA would like banned from soccer in order to stop swine flu:

Kissing

Heading the ball

David Beckham

Footballers Warned Against Spitting As Swine Flu Fear Thickens [Goal.com]

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