I am writing this letter hoping that the governing bodies in sport will do something to stop those players who while practicing their game have the really disgusting habit of spitting on the palms of their hands.

We see goalkeepers doing it, we see many players who play bowls “the Maltese style bocci doing it very often; yet not a single word is forthcoming from those who run these games.

One might also remark that this bad habit is quite widespread. I have seen people from all walks of life doing it, some bus drivers moisten their fingers with their own saliva before giving you your ticket, green grocers do the same when trying to open a plastic bag, clerks do it to turn pages, others do it when counting money, and so on.

I have more than once politely told green grocers that this bad habit may cost him some customers, yet some of them just grunted or scowled at me, and only a few agreed.

When one considers the dangers that this disgusting habit may pose to one’s health, one would do well to shop from those outlets which are more hygienic.

E. Spagnol

Zejtun