• North London clubs united in opposition to horns
• West Ham also decide to ban them for ’safety reasons’

Arsenal have followed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in banning vuvuzelas from their ground.

The horns proved controversial during the recent World Cup in South Africa with some fans critical of the droning noise they created while others believed they added to the atmosphere.

Spurs became the first Premier League club to ban vuvuzelas last night and Arsenal followed suit today by announcing they were not welcome at Emirates Stadium. West Ham have also banned the instruments.

“Further to their hugely debated involvement at this summer’s World Cup Finals in South Africa, Arsenal Football Club has decided to forbid the use of vuvuzelas within Emirates Stadium with immediate effect,” a statement on the club’s official website read. “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 stated that using vuvuzelas would contravene existing safety regulations. “Under the current health and safety regulations at the stadium, which already disallows musical bands, we would not allow them into the stadium as they could be considered a weapon and could also be considered to be an annoyance to others,” a club statement said. “The health and safety regulation that all of this comes under is already in place.”

Blackpool, meanwhile, have dismissed suggestions they might welcome vuvuzelas at Bloomfield Road in the hope of intimidating opponents during their debut season in the Premier League .

A club spokesman said: “We haven’t really given any full consideration to vuvuzelas at the moment. We’ve had plenty of other things occupying the mind with a debut season in the Premier League to prepare for. Any decision will be taken in due course and in consultation with relevant supporter groups.”

A statement added that the club’s previous assertion they are keen to ensure the atmosphere is better than ever “does not necessarily mean that vuvuzelas will be permitted”.

The Bloomfield Road stadium currently has just three sides. The club are hastily trying to build a new East Stand to take the capacity to 16,900, but their opening game against Wigan has been switched to the DW Stadium to buy them more time.

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• Zola reaches financial settlement with West Ham
• Italian looking to return to management as soon as possible

Gianfranco Zola has set his sights on a swift return to management after finally reaching a satisfactory financial settlement with West Ham United.

Zola was sacked after the end of the season despite saving West Ham from relegation. The club have since appointed Avram Grant as manager, while Zola’s assistant manager Steve Clarke has also left Upton Park.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham and I will always be very grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to manage in the Premier League, especially at a club with such a great tradition in positive and attractive football,” Zola said.

“I am looking forward to finding a new challenge in the game and returning to management as soon as possible.”

The West Ham job was Zola’s first managerial post and although he enjoyed a fine first season, guiding the club to a ninth-placed finish and earning a new four-year contract, the Hammers struggled to avoid relegation last term.

David Gold and David Sullivan took over the club in January and Zola always appeared to be on borrowed time. A number of negative public comments from Sullivan did not help the Italian’s situation and it was no surprise when he was relieved of his post.

The League Managaer Association’s chief executive, Richard Bevan, has backed Zola to make a quick return to the dugout.

“He is a talented young manager and I am sure he will be back working in the game, passing on his knowledge and sharing his enjoyment of football with a new group of players,” Bevan said.

“The LMA shares Gianfranco’s disappointment at him leaving West Ham but would like to acknowledge the club’s assistance in resolving matters quickly and amicably.”

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