The English Premier League is widely considered by many as the top league in the world known for its great fan support and beautiful soccer.  Fans in the EPL are some of the most passionate you will find in any sport.  Vuvuzelas have no place in the stadiums in England though.

Tottenham,Arsenal, Birmingham, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, West Ham United and Sunderland have come forward and banned the controversial vuvuzela horn for the upcoming season.

“Following discussions with the police and representatives from the local licensing authorities, the club will not be permitting vuvuzelas or similar instruments into White Hart Lane on match days,” Tottenham said. “We are concerned that the presence of the instruments within the stadium pose unnecessary risks to public safety.”

Most teams are coming forward and saying that the dreadful horns would cause safety concerns.  I understand not being able to hear the PA announcer, but with all the talk about how flat out annoying they are had to have something to do with it.

This is great news to me!  The ear throbbing sound that comes from a vuvuzela has no place in the stadiums.  I would be thrilled if the entire EPL banned these horrendous instruments from stadiums.  It is understandable for the horns to be in South Africa, but they shouldn’t be allowed anywhere else!

Both Chelsea and Manchester United won over the weekend to set up a winner take all scenario this coming Sunday.  Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2-0 and Manchester United took care of Sunderland 1-0.

Chelsea will face off with Wigan and United will face Stoke City.  For the cup to come down to the last match is great for all fans who follow the English Premier League.  United will try to become the first club to win four straight league titles.

Chelsea hold the advantage but anything can happen at this level.  Frank Lampard was quoted, “Obviously Manchester United have a tough game but we’ll never go that far (thinking we have already won). We have a big game next week. But we knew the Liverpool game was huge for us. We knew if we had dropped points we would have given the momentum to United.”

Here is a great article from ESPN Soccernet: Lampard eyes Premier League party at the Bridge

My favorite striker to watch Wayne Rooney was named PFA player of the year by his peers.  Rooney has scored 34 goals this season for Manchester United.  He has the respect of every player in the world only being 24 years old.  He possesses an uncanny work ethic on and off the ball, who constantly is making full field runs.  In my opinion, Rooney is one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of England football when healthy. The only downside I see in Rooney is his durability.   I see Rooney being a tremendous force for England up top at the World Cup this summer.  It could be a long night for the U.S. defense if he is firing on all cylinders.

Also,the Premier League team of the year selection drew one huge question mark for me. How does Frank Lampard not get on this list?  Lampard, in my opinion should be considered for player of the year.  He is a constant threat to goal coming out of the midfield for league leaders Chelsea.

Rooney was quoted,  “It’s a great feeling to win because it’s voted for by the players. It’s a great honour and I’m really proud.” Please checkout more quotes and the full team lists over at the BBC’s coverage.Wayne Rooney Wins PFA player of the year.