BBC consider 'vuvuzela free' World Cup audio

(CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

The BBC is considering whether to broadcast a "vuvuzela free" version of its World Cup coverage following complaints about the noise from the plastic horn.

The Corporation is investigating several options, including stripping out most sound except commentary when showing the games on its red button digital service.

Complaints about the incessant buzzing noise doubled to 545 to the BBC by this morning.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Using the red button service is only one of the options that we're considering. A decision will be made later in the week."

The broadcaster has already muted the feed which picks up crowd noise at the matches because of the horns but it has no plans to remove the sound of the vuvuzelas from matches broadcast on BBC1 and BBC2.

Supermarkets in Britain have reported a surge in sales of the instruments, in the run-up to Friday's game against Algeria, sparking fears by the horns' opponents that they could become popular at British grounds.

World Cup bosses have said the horns will not be banned in South Africa, saying they reflect "the sound of Africa" and South African organisers have said they are an important part of the atmosphere.

Their drone has sparked debate around the world, with broadcasters receiving complaints and the subject tackled on radio phone-ins, and some viewers watching the TV coverage with the sound turned off.