THEY may have been sweet music to the ears of millions of followers of this summer's World Cup in South Africa, but bosses at Scunthorpe United don't give a toot for the vuvuzelas.

And the club's decision to banish the horns from Glanford Park for the coming season in the Championship has won approval – from the Noise Abatement Society.

General manager David Beeby confirmed: "Vuvuzelas will not be permitted at the ground for safety reasons".

The Iron will join six Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Tottenham, Birmingham, West Ham, Sunderland and Liverpool – in banning the controversial horns from their stadiums this season.

The clubs fear the vuvuzelas will diminish the traditional atmosphere at their grounds as well as posing a safety risk.

Fans who defy the ban at Glanford Park will be refused entry to the ground.

Under the rules supporters are also not allowed to bring in air-horns, flares, laser devices and fireworks.

Mr Beeby said the club retained the right to search any person entering the stadium and to refuse entry or eject from the ground any person refusing to submit to such a search.

The vuvuzelas played at normal matches in South Africa provided the back-drop to this summer's World Cup, causing irritation among players and supporters.

Critics claimed the cacophony often drowned out the chants of the crowds during the game. The Scunthorpe United ban has been welcomed the Noise Abatement Society.

Lisa Lavia, the group's managing director, said: "We heartily support Scunthorpe United's ban. Vuvuzelas can indeed be dangerous if used incorrectly and blown loudly when standing within close earshot of others.

"According to experts vuvuzelas can generate a drone of up to 144 decibels inside soccer stadiums.

"This sound is louder than most rock concerts and is a constant noise that listeners cannot get away from in an enclosed environment.

"Recommended exposure levels to loud music at 105 decibels is from one and half to five minutes. The unregulated usage of vuvuzelas, therefore, is highly dangerous at sporting events.

"The noise they make is also highly annoying to many listeners which can in turn lead to increased aggravation and aggression by those that are unwillingly exposed to it.

"Vuvuzela usage is also impolite and insensitive when imposed upon others.

"We do not expect those around us to be forced to listen to our selection of music or telephone conversations when at the cinema or theatre.

"Why should we expect them to be forced to hear the constant sound of vuvuzelas when they have paid to enjoy a sporting event?"