Spitting on pitch could lead to swine flu

Footballers have been warned that spitting on the pitch during games could raise the risk of spreading swine flu.



Blackburn and Bolton both have players with signs of the virus ahead of their Carling Cup matches this week.



The Health Protection Agency says the habit of spitting could increase the risk of passing on infections.



However, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti says he is not worried about the threat of swine flu at his club, despite having played Rovers on Saturday.



Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce suggested members of the Rovers squad, three of whom were confirmed with the virus earlier this week, may have passed on the infection during their five-nil defeat by Chelsea last Saturday.