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Six Premier League clubs have banned the controversial vuvuzela instrument made famous at the World Cup from their stadiums for the coming season.

Arsenal and Tottenham were the first top flight sides to banish the loud horns, with Birmingham, West Ham, Sunderland and Liverpool quickly following.

The clubs have moved to ban vuvuzelas ahead of the new campaign, claiming they pose a safety risk as well as ruining the matchday ambience.

A Tottenham statement said: "We are concerned that the presence of the instruments within the stadium poses unnecessary risks to public safety and could impact on the ability of all supporters to hear any emergency safety announcements."

"We are very proud of the fantastic atmosphere that our supporters produce organically at White Hart Lane and we are all very much looking forward to this continuing into the forthcoming season."

North London rivals Arsenal added: "Further to their hugely debated involvement at the World Cup finals in South Africa, Arsenal Football Club has decided to forbid the use of vuvuzelas within Emirates Stadium with immediate effect.

"This decision has been taken to ensure the enjoyment and safety of supporters on matchdays, which is of paramount importance to the club."