Would a sportsperson be sent off for dropping their shorts and going to the loo on the pitch? Yes. Spitting isn’t a whole lot different.

Wash your hands.

Cough into your elbow.

If you use a tissue, dispose of it immediately and safely.

Don’t stand within two metres of someone who is coughing.

Clean surfaces with anti-septic wipes.

Don’t spit all over the soccer pitch.

Oh. Sorry.

That last piece of advice?

That’s just not on is it?

It seems to be that off loading large gulliers (that’s what we used to call them) during a game of soccer or indeed, rugby, Gaelic football, hurling or anything else for that matter, is part of the game.

It’s relentless.

The fact that the photographs here are historic, doesn’t make them any less sickening.

Yes I know, I’ve been told, that these athletes need to clear their lungs and their mouths and so have to spit.

On the pitch? Really?

I feel sick to the pit of my stomach, and always did, when I see people walking down the street and casually off-loading a gob-full onto the footpath.

It is the precise equivalent of stopping on a street, or indeed on the half way line, and having a piss.

It is bodily fluid being sprayed or scattered or disposed of with no regard whatever for those who may come into contact with it.

David deGea, Ronaldo and Neymar are no more guilty than any other sports person when it comes to spitting.

Personally, I think it should be – and always should have been – a red card offence.

Spitting is dangerous.

And sports bodies should be taking measures to keep usalivand kicking.