Quote:SIX English Premier Leaque clubs have banned the annoying vuvuzelas from their stadiums and others are expected to follow suit.

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Liverpool, Sunderland and Birmingham City have already acted against the much-maligned instruments, which annoyed millions of fans around the globe during the World Cup in South Af rica.

A statement from Arsenal said: 'This decision has been taken to ensure the enjoyment and safety of supporters on matchdays, which is of paramount importance to the club.'

West Ham used the health and safety option for banning them.

'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 club said .

Birmingham's statement said: 'Blues can confirm that supporters will not be allowed to bring vuvuzelas into St. Andrew's on matchdays.

'The club took into account feedback from both supporters and relevant bodies such as the Safety Advisory Committee and have made the decision on health and safety grounds.

'An overwhelming majority of Blues supporters said they didn't want vuvuzelas to be allowed at St. Andrew's.'

Premier League new boys Blackpool were thought to be the only club welcoming them but now appear on the point of banning them as well.