Tottenham, Birmingham and Arsenal ban vuvuzelas

LONDON // Tottenham has become the first English Premier League club to ban vuvuzelas from their stadium, as the backlash began against the unmistakable sound of the World Cup in South Africa. And Arsenal followed its north London rival to ban the South African trumpets, which were a constant feature at the tournament - frequently drowning out stadium announcements and television commentary. Tottenham officials believe vuvuzelas would ruin the atmosphere at White Hart Lane as welll as posing a safety risk. "We are concerned that the presence of the instruments within the stadium pose unnecessary risks to public safety and could impact on the ability of all supporters to hear any emergency safety announcements," a club statement read. "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." Arsenal have the same opinion and the club said: "Further to their hugely debated involvement at the World Cup Finals in South Africa, Arsenal Football Club has decided to forbid the use of vuvuzelas within Emirates Stadium with immediate effect. "This decision has been taken to ensure the enjoyment and safety of supporters on matchdays, which is of paramount importance to the club." Birmingham City were the third Premier Leageu club to join the vuvuzela ban.

* With agencies