I'm proud to say that for the entire 2010 World Cup, both Shimer and myself did well to not fall into the trap of the lazy American sports fan and writer: criticizing vuvuzelas.
Don't get me wrong, we don't love them either but I really didn't find them to be that much of a distraction during the games. A tell-tale sign of someone that never watches soccer jumping aboard the World Cup bandwagon was their first observation: "what's with those annoying horns?"
I bring this up not to simply toot our own horns (get it?) but since a bunch of English Premier League teams are banning the stupid plastic instruments.
The league itself hasn't made an official ruling yet but Tottenham, Arsenal, Birmingham, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, West Ham and Sunderland have all banned them from their home parks.
"Following discussions with the police and representatives from the local licensing authorities, the club will not be permitting vuvuzelas or similar instruments into White Hart Lane on match days," Tottenham said. "We are concerned that the presence of the instruments within the stadium pose unnecessary risks to public safety."
"Vuvuzelas [are] not welcome at Emirates Stadium," Arsenal said. "This decision has been taken to ensure the enjoyment and safety of supporters on match days, which is of paramount importance to the club."
Birmingham said it consulted supporters and health and safety authorities before banning the trumpet, while Sunderland will turn away the vuvuzela because it does not permit any musical instruments into its Stadium of Light.
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