Spurs Clamp Down on Vuvuzelas

Tottenham Hotspur need a huge pat on the back for becoming the first Premier League club to ban vuvuzelas from their ground next season.

The trumpets were a feature of the recent World Cup finals in South Africa, but there's no place in English football for the controversial instruments. Spur's Premier League betting odds suggest they should do well this season, but the sound of vuvuzelas won't be urging them on the victory.

A statement from the club said: "We are concerned that the presence of the instruments within the stadium pose unnecessary risks to public safety and could impact on the ability of all supporters to hear any emergency safety announcements.

"We are very proud of the fantastic atmosphere that our supporters produce organically at White Hart Lane and we are all very much looking forward to this continuing into the forthcoming season."

The vuvuzela was introduced into South African football to embellish the poor atmosphere at PSL games, but there's no reason why it should be allowed on these shores. Fans and pundits criticised the monotone sound at the World Cup finals but it was acceptable in South Africa because it was endemic in their football culture - just as a pie and a pint is here. In fact a few days into the tournament I think the majority of people had forgotten about the sound or had just blocked it out.

However, the atmosphere at the majority of English stadia, including White Hart Lane, is already vibrant enough to make the vuvuzela an unwanted addition.

A number of other top-flight clubs have already followed Spurs' lead and barred instrument - let's just hope the rest of the Premier League clubs do the same.

Meanwhile, those who follow UK horse racing tips will be gearing up for this year's Goodwood Festival.

Glorious Goodwood starts next week and fans are set for a real treat.