Premier League: Arsenal and Tottenham ban the vuvuzela
Whether you loved them or downright loathed them, the vuvuzela was undoubtedly the sound of the 2010 World Cup.
During all 64 matches, the blaring racket of the plastic trumpet would drown out everything and anyone at each of the 10 stadiums they were that loud. And as a result, Arsenal and Tottenham have taken the initiative by becoming the first two Premier League clubs to ban the metre-long horn.
Their concern is that the instrument would spoil the enjoyment of those supporters who may not take such a shine to them inside the stadium, as well as those watching at home on television. Also, the issue of safety arose in both clubs’ statements - although it would be rather difficult to use one as an offensive weapon.
The vuvuzela attracted a huge amount of criticism during this summer’s World Cup finals from all corners of the globe. Often compared to the noise an angry swarm of bees would make, the tone of the vuvuzela was hardly ear-friendly.
Nevertheless, by the end of the tournament, many foreigners in South Africa had grown rather fond of them. And more than a few England supporters arrived back on home turf with at least one of the controversial instruments packed safely away in their luggage.
With just less than three weeks before the new season gets underway, more top-flight clubs are expected to follow in Arsenal and Spurs’ footsteps by introducing a banning order at their stadiums.
Along with general irritation, fears that the traditional atmosphere of an English football match would be stifled by the vuvuzelas are also a reasonable one. After all, in South Africa, the number of times any sort of chanting was even remotely detected could have been counted on the fingers of one hand.
The vuvuzela was rightfully allowed to stay at the 2010 World Cup because of their significant role in South Africa’s culture and heritage. But now the dust has settled on the tournament, they must be kept away from English football grounds.
As traditional as this may sound, chanting and cheering are synonymous with football in England and essential for generating a dramatic atmosphere – just as the vuvuzelas is with various sporting events in South Africa.
And just like the streamers and paper-rolls from the 1978 World Cups finals in Argentina, the controversial vuvuzela is an iconic World Cup accessory best left in its home country now the tournament has come to an end.
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