A very long way of saying no......
Your second paragraph is exactly what is done at most NFL, NHL, NBA and MLS games. As I said, you haven't been so you can't comment on what a "US phenomenon" actually is.
Not sure this is the main reason they were binned - although certainly a fair point to make.
I remember reading Barber's programme notes on this. He got rid of them because they encouraged un PC behaviour among certain fans - it was one of those patronising diatribes he has a habit of writing...