Spanish side hit by swine flu

Thirteen players from Spanish outfit Betis have contracted the H1N1 flu virus, prompting the second division side’s medical staff to request Thursday the postponement of Sunday’s meeting with Villarreal B.

“The symptoms correspond to the H1N1 strain. Almost the whole team is affected,” said official Tomas Calero.

Calero added the medical staff were requesting that training be suspended for at least three days.

Betis are the first Spanish side known to be afflicted by the H1N1 flu virus but concerns have increasingly been raised about its possible latent presence in other leagues in recent days.

English Premiership side Blackburn Rovers have been affected by a bout of swine flu with three players, as well as staff members, diagnosed.

Nearby rivals Bolton also revealed several of their players have contracted the illness.

And last week’s match in the French first division between Paris Saint Germain and Marseille was called off after three PSG players were found to be ill.