Welsh whisky tip 'to fight swine flu'

Russian football fans have been advised to drink whisky to protect themselves against swine flu ahead of next month's World Cup qualifying match in Wales.

Alexander Shprygin of the National Supporter Association made the suggestion after Russian authorities warned against visiting Britain while the disease is still prevalent.

Shprygin said: "We urge our fans to drink a lot of Welsh whisky as a form of disinfection. That should cure all symptoms of the disease.

"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."

He added: "Russian fans don't fear anything or anybody so this virus will not stand in our way of supporting our team."

A Russian FA spokesman said: "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."