Clubs come out against vuvuzelas

West Ham will not be allowing vuvuzelas into Upton Park because they contravene the stadium's health and safety regulations, which already prohibit the use of musical instruments.

The plastic trumpets, which proved hugely controversial at this summer's World Cup, have already been banned by Tottenham and Arsenal as well as by a number of npower Football League clubs.

And they will not be present at Upton Park, either.

A West Ham club statement said: "Under the current health and safety regulations at the stadium, which already disallows musical bands, we would not allow them (vuvuzelas) into the stadium as they could be considered a weapon and could also be considered to be an annoyance to others.

"The health and safety regulation that all of this comes under is already in place.

"The club wish at all times to ensure that all supporters are allowed to enjoy the game they are watching and prides itself on the passionate, loud and robust support from our fans at all matches at Upton Park."

Vuvuzelas will not be allowed at Sunderland's Stadium of Light next season under the club's existing policy on musical instruments.

A spokesman said: "Sunderland Football Club does not allow individuals to bring musical instruments into the stadium.

"Our primary concern in this instance is for customer care and comfort of our supporters and the noise created by musical instruments can be annoying and distracting.

"We will therefore be continuing our long-standing policy of not permitting them in the ground."