GOBSMACKED: STARS WARNED STOP SPITTING

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been warned to clamp down on spitting.

Teams of inspectors have been despatched to training grounds up and down the country to oversee sessions and ensure clubs stick to strict guidelines and protocols aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.

But one of the biggest things causing a concern is the players’ habit of spitting regularly through

workouts. The Premier League’s “snoop squad” are understood to have told several clubs they must stop spitting even though players do it instinctively, often without thinking.

It has been banned in the training protocols.

Players will also be stopped from sharing water bottles, swapping shirts and goal celebrations are also outlawed.

The Premier League have deployed the enforcement officers to check clubs are complying with the second phase of contact training ahead of the scheduled return to games on June 17.

They have also been keeping a close eye on sessions using video and GPS technology to make sure clubs adhere to the approved guidelines.

There are no set punishments should any team continually break the guidelines. Several medics raised spitting as a particular concern because the spittle can travel so far and spread the coronavirus germs.

While it is seen as a disgusting habit in normal society, it is just accepted as a done thing in football. It comes as clubs begin to prepare for approved friendly games as they step up training sessions.

Most will start with internal games against development squads, Under-23s, and fringe players.