Vuvuzelas continue to cause an argument

Banned

Hated

Some people loved the atmosphere that was created by these things at games and others absolutely hated it. For me, it certainly beat the noise of that bloody clanging bell at Portsmouth and probably the off tune trumpeting of the ‘Great escape’, but I would just prefer the noise of an excited, singing and cheering crowd.

On the whole, I don’t really care whether people use them or not, but the big vuvuzela debate contains to gain momentum.

Follow

After Tottenham became the first Premier League club to ban the instrument from their ground on match days, a number of other clubs are starting to follow suit.

Arsenal, Birmingham, Everton, Fulham and West Ham have all said that the plastic horn will not be allowed inside their stadium.

Noise

Apparently, Tottenham made their decision after talks with police and local authorities and reacted upon suggestions the noise could pose risks to public safety, while Arsenal stated they wanted to “ensure the enjoyment and safety” of fans.

One can only assume they are talking about the health and safety of those blowing the thing as someone else might take it off them and shove it where the sun don’t shine!

In fact, it would appear that the main issue is that the noise would stop fans from hearing safety announcements.

Tottenham have said,

“We are concerned that the presence of the instruments within the stadium pose unnecessary risks and could impact on the ability of all supporters to hear any emergency safety announcements. We are very proud of the fantastic atmosphere that our supporters produce organically at White Hart Lane and we are all very much looking forward to this continuing into the forthcoming season.”

Birmingham said that they listened to the clubs fans,

“An overwhelming majority of Blues supporters said they didn’t want vuvuzelas to be allowed at St Andrews.”

West Ham are very clear about the subject,

“Under the current health and safety regulations at the stadium, which already disallows musical bands, we would not allow vuvuzelas into the stadium as they could be considered a weapon and could also be considered to be an annoyance to others. The health and safety regulation that all of this comes under is already in place. The club wish at all times to ensure that all supporters are allowed to enjoy the game they are watching and prides itself on the passionate, loud and robust support from our fans at all matches at Upton Park.”

Everton are equally unequivocal,

“It isn’t a case of us being killjoys it is simply a measure which is designed to safeguard our reputation with the game’s governing bodies. We have, in the past, had problems with people throwing objects onto the pitch and the Football Association has made it perfectly clear that we do face the possibility of sanctions should there be any repeat offence. In the wake of the World Cup in South Africa we have received many emails from our supporters asking that we ban vuvuzelas on the grounds that they are simply irritating, but none urging us to permit their use at first-team fixtures.”

This will all come as a major blow to the retailers who have stocked up on vuvuzelas after the World Cup and expect to make a mint prior to the start of the season!

What do you think? Love them or hate them?