Uefa bans vuvuzelas from matches

The sharply divisive instrument will be banned from European games

Vuvuzelas have been banned from all Uefa-sanctioned games such as Euro 2012 qualifiers and Champions League games.

The horns were popular at the World Cup in South Africa but critics say they drowned out fan singing and atmosphere.

The move was taken "for reasons related to Europe's football culture and tradition," said a Uefa statement.

"Uefa feels that instrument's use would not be appropriate in Europe where a continuous loud background noise would be emphasised."

European football's governing body said that "in the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavour and folklore," but it then went on to make it clear they felt they were out of place at European games.

606: DEBATE It seems like people with vuvus spend more of their focus on blowing it rather than watching the actual match The_Blue_Eagle

"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.

"Uefa is of the view that the vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game."

Several football teams in England and also other sporting events and musical festivals had already banned the instruments, while some others left it up to fans to decide, but Uefa is the first major footballing body to impose a ban on its members.

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