It was apparently a problem for players on the pitch hearing each other. Fooking annoying to hear for 90 minutes on TV, I can only imagine what it's like in person. They're called
or some sh*t.
The vuvuzela came to international attention during the run-up to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup, both hosted in South Africa. The world football governing body, FIFA, wanted to ban the use of vuvuzelas during the World Cup 2010 because of concerns that hooligans could use the instrument as a weapon and that businesses could place advertisements on vuvuzelas. However the South African Football Association (SAFA) made a presentation that vuvuzelas were essential for an authentic South African football experience, and FIFA decided in July 2008 to drop the ban. Vuvuzelas were allowed at matches during Confederations Cup 2009 and are expected to be allowed at World Cup 2010 in South Africa.[8]
Some football commentators, players and international audiences argued against the vuvuzela during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. During the match between United States and Italy, BBC Three commentator Lee Dixon referred to the sounds as "quite irritating". FIFA received complaints from multiple European broadcasters who want it banned for the 2010 FIFA World Cup because the sound is drowning out the commentators. Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk and Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso also called for a ban, the latter saying the horns make it hard for players to communicate and concentrate while adding nothing to the atmosphere. Strong arguments against the vuvuzela include the fact that the sound does not correspond to the actions on the pitch, but is rather just a constant drone, and hence cannot be said to enhance the atmosphere.
Some South African soccer fans argue that this instrument creates a lively atmosphere in the stadium, that it is a part of South African football culture, and that it is a way of showing loyalty and dedication to the team. Just as fans in other countries beat drums, blow trumpets, and sing, some South African soccer fans blow the vuvuzela.
FIFA has said it will discuss the instrument with the local organizing committee of the 2010 World Cup, but not before the end of the Confederations Cup. President of FIFA Sepp Blatter opposes banning the vuvuzela. "We should not try to Europeanise an African World Cup," Blatter has said. FIFA ultimately decided to allow the instrument for the 2010 World Cup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vuvuzela