Vuvuzelas have been kicked out of European competition after
UEFA said that the plastic trumpets drowned out supporters and
detracted from the emotion of the game.
The plastic horns became a hallmark of the World Cup in South
Africa, producing a monotonous droning sound which provided a
backdrop for every match.
But they will not be allowed in stadiums in UEFA competitions
such as the Champions League, Europa League and Euro 2012
qualifiers after UEFA's ruling on Wednesday.
"European football's governing body has informed its 53 member
associations that it has taken the move for reasons related to
Europe's football culture and tradition, saying that the atmosphere
at matches would be changed by the sound of the vuvuzela," said
UEFA in a statement.
"The World Cup was characterised by the vuvuzela's widespread
and permanent use in the stands," it added.
"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 statement then continued with a clear criticism of the
controversial instrument.
"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.
"To avoid the risk of these negative effects in the stadiums
where UEFA competitions are played and to protect the culture and
tradition of football in Europe - singing, chanting etc. - UEFA has
decided with immediate effect that vuvuzelas will not be allowed in
the stadiums where UEFA competitions matches are played.
reuters
