Many Britsh teams ban the vuvuzela

LONDON -- Fans hoping to bring the distinctive drone of the vuvuzela back to England from the World Cup face disappointment after several Premier League clubs banned the trumpets from their stadiums.

Although the Premier League has not made any ruling on the vuvuzela covering its 20 teams, Tottenham banned the South African instrument late Monday.

Arsenal, Birmingham, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, West Ham and Sunderland followed Tuesday, with most citing concern that the distinctive blaring of the vuvuzelas could prevent spectators at matches from hearing safety announcements such as evacuation instructions.

"Following discussions with the police and representatives from the local licensing authorities, the club will not be permitting vuvuzelas or similar instruments into White Hart Lane on match days," Tottenham said. "We are concerned that the presence of the instruments within the stadium pose unnecessary risks to public safety."

Vuvuzelas at the recently concluded World Cup annoyed plenty of television viewers around the world by drowning out television commentary and other crowd noise.

But many enjoyed the local flavor they added to the monthlong tournament. The trumpets were a common souvenir for visiting supporters to take home from the World Cup, but with Arsenal following its north London neighbor in imposing a ban, half of last season's top four clubs have ordered fans to leave them at home.

"Vuvuzelas [are] not welcome at Emirates Stadium," Arsenal said. "This decision has been taken to ensure the enjoyment and safety of supporters on match days, which is of paramount importance to the club."

Birmingham said it consulted supporters and health and safety authorities before banning the trumpet, while Sunderland will turn away the vuvuzela because it does not permit any musical instruments into its Stadium of Light.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press