The Health Protection Agency (HPA) in England has advised footballers to refrain from the “disgusting” habit of spitting in a bid to curb the spread of swine flu.

The warning comes after Blackburn Rovers expressed a desire for their games should be rescheduled after three players and other staff members fell ill with the virus. Bolton also have a number of players showing signs of the virus ahead of their Carling Cup matches this week.

The HPA said spitting should be discouraged by football clubs as experts attempt to halt the spread of the infection.

“Spitting is disgusting at all times. It’s unhygienic and unhealthy, particularly if you spit close to other people,” said a HPA spokesman.

“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,” he added.

He added footballers should follow the same guidelines as other members of the public by washing their hands, covering their mouth when sneezing and disposing of used tissues.

“The advice is catch it, bin it, kill it,” he said.

The Football Association and Barclays Premier League said they were following guidance from health experts in handling the issue.

“As ever, when it comes to health matters the Premier League will be guided by the relevant statutory authorities,” said a Premier League spokesman.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce believes Chelsea could be the next club to be affected by swine flu - and he claims the Premier League "shirked responsibility" by allowing the weekend match between the teams to go ahead.

Rovers will face Peterborough in the Carling Cup tonight, however three players have been ruled out after going down with swine flu, while two members of the Blackburn staff are also suffering with the virus.

Allardyce has questioned the wisdom of the Premier League letting Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge proceed, after Blackburn informed them of the first two cases of swine flu in their squad.

And he believes it is possible the virus could have been spread to the Chelsea camp.

"There is no doubt about that," Allardyce said. "When you look at the medical side of it, it is one of the most infectious viruses we have had."

For his part, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is not concerned. “I know what to do if I have the flu. It's my grandmother's prescription - hot milk. Alcohol - red wine. Fantastic,” said the Italian when asked.