Select theme:

Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

  • Home
  • Football
  • Why do footballers spit on the pitch, and why do they spit out water after drinking?

Why do footballers spit on the pitch, and why do they spit out water after drinking?

Published on December 17, 2022 at 08:59 PM

THE World Cup is rolling on at pace in Qatar.

The tournament has been watched by billions across the globe each day as we now head towards the huge Argentina vs France final.

Lionel Messi spits during a game for Argentina
Cristiano Ronaldo spits out his water on the touchline

But you may have picked up a couple of trends that footballers seem to do in every game...spitting on the pitch and also spitting out their drinks on the touchline.

Though there is a very scientific reason for this.

Why do footballers spit?

Players need to spit while performing exercise as excess saliva develops.

Additionally, players often spit their drinks out onto the pitch after taking a small swig from the bottle.

This is due to a tactic called carb rinsing, which can reportedly improve performance.

According to a New York Times article on England players at the 2018 World Cup: “Carb rinsing refers to the practice of swishing with sports drinks for five to ten seconds during exertion, but then spitting it out instead of swallowing.”;

Harry Kane spits water out after drinking

The European Journal of Sport Science published a report in 2017 which found that carb rinsing boosted performance in a range of activities.

Running magazine added that during exercise: “Swishing with a carb-laden drink is refreshing and lets you avoid the feeling of bloating or cramping that may come with swallowing liquid.”;

Spitting is not an offence in football, so does not warrant any disciplinary card.

However spitting at another player or official is a red card.

  • Share:
Flying Eze

Flying Eze

Watch Granit Xhaka score comical own goal to give Juventus the lead in Arsenal friendly
Prev Article

Watch Granit Xhaka score comical own goal to give Juventus the lead in Arsenal friendly

Next Article

Arsenal sweat on ANOTHER attacking injury as Reiss Nelson hobbles out of Juventus friendly a week before Prem return

Arsenal sweat on ANOTHER attacking injury as Reiss Nelson hobbles out of Juventus friendly a week before Prem return

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *