UEFA introduces ban on vuvuzelas

UEFA introduces ban on vuvuzelas
UEFA has banned the use of vuvuzelas, the brass instrument that was so popular at the recent World Cup in South Africa, during all matches under its jurisdiction this season.
Matches played in the Champions League and the Europa League, as well as the 2012 European championship qualifiers will be affected by the ban.
Originating from South Africa, the vuvuzela was widely used by supporters at the 2009 Confederations Cup and at the recent World Cup. The ringing noise it produced prevented chanting fans from being heard in the stadiums.
No FIFA ban, despite criticism
Several players and managers spoke out against the overwhelming noise they experienced in the stadiums, but FIFA president Sepp Blatter warned against "Europeanising" a World Cup held in Africa, and no ban was put in place.
Now, though, UEFA has enacted a ban within Europe, where the vuvuzela surged in popularity following the tournament in South Africa.
"In the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavour and folklore, but UEFA feels that the instrument's widespread use would not be appropriate in Europe, where a continuous loud background noise would be emphasised," the body said on its official website.
"The magic of football consists of the two-way exchange of emotions between the pitch and the stands, where the public can transmit a full range of feelings to the players. However, UEFA is of the view that the vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game."
Club teams follow suit
UEFA is the first footballing body to impose a ban on the instrument. Given its global jurisdiction, it is unlikely that FIFA will do the same.
Several Premier League clubs have already banned use of the instrument in their stadiums.
West Bromwich, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton, Birmingham, Fulham and West Ham United have all prohibited spectators from drowning out chants with vuvuzelas.