Leading article: Blow out

The South African World Cup is over, but the great debate of the tournament drones on. Vuvuzelas: an atmosphere enhancer and wonderful new way for fans to project their support for their team? Or a diabolical, ear-splitting, enjoyment-shattering health hazard? It is safe to say that Uefa has taken up its place in the anti-vuvuzela camp with its decision yesterday to ban the plastic horns from Euro 2012 qualification and Champions League games.

This is not, of course, a subject on which people are open to persuasion. The words "you know what, that vuvuzela sound is actually rather growing on me" have never been recorded.

But, all the same, might a complete ban not have been somewhat hasty? Uefa says that "vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game". Yes, but consider their punitive qualities. Match scoreless at half-time, no shots on goal and little effort from the players? Solution: issue half the crowd with vuvuzelas. Ten minutes to go and still no improvement? One hundred per cent vuvuzela coverage. That should get the players working harder. And it's more imaginative than booing.