 Beeb to block out "bees"The BBC is thinking about the possibility of offering ‘vuvuzela free’ coverage via its red button after hundreds of complaints.
Fans say the droning sound of the plastic horns, which has been likened to the buzzing of millions of angry bees, is drowning out coverage and leaving them with aching eardrums.
Vuvuzelas can generate a drone of up to 144 decibels inside stadiums, which is louder than fireworks, a plane taking off or a rock concert.
Now the BBC is looking into providing ‘clean’ coverage, which would strip out most crowd noise.
A BBC spokesman said last night: ‘We have already taken steps to minimise the noise and are continuing to monitor the situation. If the vuvuzela continues to impact on audience enjoyment, we will look at what other options we can take to reduce the volume further.’
The BBC’s plans emerged after World Cup officials said yesterday that the vuvuzela will stay at the tournament, despite earlier claims that the horns could be banned |
 Can you hear me now!Players have had their own reactions to the vuvuzela.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was worried that it affected players' focus.
'It is difficult for anyone on the pitch to concentrate,' the Real Madrid star told a press conference.
Captain Patrice Evra blamed the noise for waking his french team in their hotel, but conceeded 'A lot of players don't like them, but they are going to have to get used to them.'
And Argentina's Lionel Messi complained they made it impossible for players to communicate on the pitch.
But England defender Jamie Carragher said he's been asked to take some back.
'My kids have been on the phone and they want two. I've got two in my bag already,'
He also added that anyone who'd seen him at Anfield would know it would take more than a vuvuzela to drown him out. |
