Maidstone players have been reminded to stop spitting on the pitch in the fight against Covid-19.

There’s been talk at the top of football to keep a lid on goal celebrations and while Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin feels that will be challenging, he’s determined to stamp out spitting.

It’s something co-owner Terry Casey feels strongly about and Hayrettin agrees.

“I couldn’t really have a go at someone for celebrating but I agree with Terry, who’s quite big on not spitting,” said Hayrettin.

“I think that needs to be eradicated.

“We have a due diligence and care of attention that we need to abide by.

“I even find that difficult sometimes and the fish always stinks from the head down.

"That's me, so I’ve got to stop it first, and I’ve told the players about it as well. We’ve got to rectify that.

“It is a natural thing, it's commonplace in football, but we’ve got to try and do the best we can to eradicate it.”

Keeping goal celebrations in check might prove tougher, with Hayrettin echoing the views of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

He said: “I’m a bit like the fabulous Liverpool manager. We get tested, not once, we’re quite rigorous here.

“We do antibody tests to see if we’ve had Covid previously, and we’ve got Covid rapid tests to see if we’ve got it.

“Our Covid officer is very strict in his approach and won’t let us get away with anything.

“If we’re Covid-free, with the emotions of the game, it’s difficult.

“If players are Covid-free and their clubs are doing everything the right way, I think they should be given a little bit of leeway to celebrate a goal.”

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