Players in the Premier League have been told to stop spitting or face the consequences of a swine flu break out within the playing ranks.

Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers players have been diagnosed with the flu in the past few days and to prevent further cases, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have warned players to avoid spitting.

"Spitting is disgusting at all times," said an HPA spokesman. "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."