HAVING read numerous contributions to the great transfer of phlegm from mouth to playing surface debate (Letters, February 15 & 16), I can't help but notice that they focus solely on the game of football much adored by the working class of this country.
An example of even worse uncontrolled phlegm behaviour can be seen in the more refined and gentrified game of cricket. Cricket and phlegm don't immediately appear connected, however I am certain that the behaviour of bowlers in applying their phlegm to the ball before chucking it at a fellow human being can hardly be described as sportsmanlike or acceptable. Not only does the bowler apply phlegm to the ball, he then has the cheek of expecting another team member to actually catch it.
John S Milligan,
86 Irvine Road, Kilmarnock.
THERE might well be a medical or technical term for saliva being produced while playing football, but I have to question whether it is as necessary is was stated in Owen Kelly's letter (February 16), and I doubt if giving it a fancy Latin name does anything to diminish its disgusting effect.
There are two reasons I am prone to question his statement: one, is that not all football players do it. And, two, if the medical reason is correct, why do those who play rugby, tennis, squash, badminton, table tennis, hockey, shinty and basketball, all similarly strenuous sports, not have the same problem? I would venture to suggest that for some, it is just a bad habit.
Francis Deigman,
12 Broomlands Way, Erskine.
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