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World Cup 2010: South Africa ponders vuvuzela ban

South Africa's World Cup organising chief Danny Jordaan may ban vuvuzelas from inside stadiums after complaints from broadcasters and supporters.

The constant sound of the high-pitched horn-like instrument has so far drowned out much of the atmosphere-generating singing usually associated with games.

And Jordaan, when asked if he would get rid of them, told BBC Sport: "If there are grounds to do so, yes.

"We did say that if any land on the pitch in anger we will take action."

France captain Patrice Evra has already blamed the noise generated by the vuvuzelas, which has been likened to the drone of thousands of bees, for his side's poor showing in their opening group game against Uruguay, which finished goalless.


He said: "We can't sleep at night because of the vuvuzelas. People start playing them from 6am.

"We can't hear one another out on the pitch because of them."

Jordaan conceded that while the noise was irritating for some people, they were doing all they could to minimise the impact.

"We've tried to get some order," he continued. "We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or stadium announcements. It's difficult but we're trying to manage the best we can.


"We've had some broadcasters and individuals [complaining] and it's something we are evaluating on an on-going basis."

Jordaan admitted he was not a huge fan of them himself. "I would prefer singing," he said.

"It's always been a great generator of a wonderful atmosphere in stadiums and I would try to encourage them to sing.

"In the days of the struggle (against apartheid) we were singing, all through our history it's our ability to sing that inspired and drove the emotions."

Aparently Evil Capatalist Genius who created these Horns has partnered with an earplug company.

Cape Town - Pharmacies are starting to run out of ear plugs, as fans scramble to protect their hearing against the deafening sound of vuvuzelas.

"Our ear plugs are sold out," a representative of Netpharm pharmacy in Cape Town told News24, adding that they cost about R20 a pair.

The Table Pharmacy in the V&A Waterfront also indicated that many people have been buying ear plugs to counter the sound of the vuvuzela.

A local entrepreneur has come up with his own novelty ear plugs to protect spectators.

Neil van Schalkwyk, who brought the vuvuzela to the mass market has partnered with Uthango Social Investments to sell ear plugs to fans for R25 a pair.

Van Schalkwyk says his Vuvuzela unPlugged earplugs are manufactured and assembled by 120 South Africans with disabilities who earn a direct income from this initiative.

The ear plugs are available from the website and 14 Park and Ride facilities around stadiums in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Money made from the sale of these ear plugs also contribute to Uthango's expenses.

haha so he invented the vuvazela, then came out with an expensive brand of earplugs that people will be forced to buy? classic!

The horns are pretty annoying. We've a shit TV with crappy sound so they dont really come through that much, but i'd imagine if you forked out on an expensive 7.1 surround sound system, you'd be driven insane!

I was hoping they'd actually have some drums and stuff like that instead. Would make a better atmosphere with them Jamaican island drum things instead of vuvazelas any day!!

OMG I've been saying this since the games started!! I hope they are banned!!! The sound of the commentators is barely louder than the buzzing sound my poor head

Well you're lucky. I have to stay up til 4am for the last match of the day! Imagine listening to that buzzing noise until 6am while you're on your sofa, pretty drunk, and hiding inside a sleeping bag!

OMG!!!! I dont Beleive it

South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has described the atmosphere in the opening game of the World Cup as a "letdown" and urged local fans to make more noise with their vuvuzelas in the country's remaining two group games.

I think there's going to be a lot of soccer players who end up with hearing problems coz of those stupid horns!!!! Eugh why can't they stop?!!!

I'm still working on that noise cancellation thing that you put up in the other thread. I'm getting closer....:p

I'll just leave this here...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134628129887183&ref=mf