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RUSSIAN football fans have been offered a free tipple of Welsh whisky – after they were told it could help them stave off swine flu.

Hundreds of fans are expected to fly in from Russia to Cardiff this week to watch their country’s World Cup qualifier against Wales.

But Russian officials last month issued a public warning telling fans to boycott Britain, amid fears they could contract the infection.

That was followed by a message from Alexander Shprygin, the head of the Russian supporters’ association, who insisted there was no need to worry – as long as everyone had a strong drink once they got here.

He 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.”

Now the Penderyn Distillery, in Rhondda – Wales’ only whisky manufacturer – is offering Russian fans a complimentary sample.

Managing director Stephen Davies told Wales on Sunday: “We wouldn’t ever claim any medical benefits for our products.

“But we are happy to let any Russians fans – or, indeed, any Welsh fans – come down to the distillery and try some of our whisky for free.

“We thought it would be a nice idea to welcome our Russian friends – the least we can offer them is a glass of whisky while they are here.

“We’re only a 15-minute drive from Cardiff and we’d be happy to offer tours around the distillery,” he added.

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