Russian soccer fans have been told to drink whisky on their trip
to Wales for next month's World Cup qualifier to ward off the H1N1
swine flu virus, the head of the country's supporter association
(VOB) said.
"We urge our fans to drink a lot of Welsh whisky as a form of
disinfection," VOB head Alexander Shprygin said.
"That should cure all symptoms of the disease."
Russia's Health Ministry has issued a public warning against
travelling to Britain because of the spread of the H1N1 virus but
Shprygin said he expected at least several hundred fans would go to
Wales for the September 9 qualifier in Cardiff.
"Health officials say this virus is very dangerous but being a fan
myself I can tell you that for a real fan nothing is more important
than the well-being of the team," said Shprygin, who also sits on
the executive board of the Russian FA.
"Russian fans don't fear anything or anybody so this virus will not
stand in our way of supporting our team."
The Russian FA also said health issues should not prevent fans from
travelling.
"We don't want our team to be without any support for such an
important match so we urge our fans to go to Wales despite the
health warning," a spokesman said.
Germany lead European Group Four with 16 points from six games, one
ahead of Russia, with Wales in fourth place on nine points from
seven matches.
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