AS well as not swearing (HAS, Jan 26), could footballers refrain from spitting?

Athletes don't spit at every opportunity, and they tend to run about a bit more than footballers.

This filthy habit is copied by a lot of schoolboys and youths while walking along the street.

Also when a goal is scored, footballers dive onto the pitch and travel a long way due to the extra lubricant provided by sputum.

These very offences were the things boys got caned for at school, and I wonder if it would help if a mustachioed matron with a stick were put on the sidelines to flog them.

John A Barr, Darlington.