Hoping changing heart before meeting Argentina

Scots rugby fans reacted with fury yesterday after killjoy rugby chiefs banned their bagpipes from the World Cup in New Zealand. Despite the cultural and historic ties between the two nations Kiwi officials outlawed the traditional instruments from the nation’s stadiums claiming they could distract Scotland’s opponents. Andy Robinson’s side have had two wins from their opening games cheered on by more than 5,000 travelling supporters. Fans are hoping for a change of heart before the squad meet Argentina in Wellington next Sunday. Last night the dispute threatened to escalate into a diplomatic row as Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison wrote to the organisers asking for a rethink. Scotland fan and keen piper Dr Matthew Strachan travelled to New Zealand with his bagpipes to support the national side and only learned of the ban when he arrived. The GP from Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, said: “After spending considerable money getting to New Zealand to support my country I was shocked to hear bagpipes were not allowed in the stadiums. “I’ve played the pipes in most of the UK stadiums and also in France during the last World Cup and they have always been gratefully received. Why then after many sporting years have the World Cup organisers decided against having them in stadiums?” He added: “At least pipers should be allowed to play up to the start of the game and afterwards. What is a touring piper supposed to do with his pipes when refused entry to a stadium? I would not have bought as many tickets to other games had I known, because as a piper, rugby games to me have always included my pipes.” Dr Strachan has made a formal complaint to tournament organisers and written to John Key, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. The row comes just over a year after the football World Cup was embroiled in controversy over the vuvuzela. The sound of the trumpet-like South African instrument was compared to a huge swarm of angry bees. In October last year members of the Tartan Army had their bagpipes banned by Czech officials in a Euro 2012 qualifier. The SFA announced the ban in leaflets handed out before supporters travelled to the Synot Tip Arena for the game gainst the Czech Republic which Scotland lost 1-0. SNP MSP Jim Eadie said: “As the entire rugby world shows its respect for the traditions of the All Blacks and their Haka at the start of every game, it’s only fair Scottish fans can showcase Scotland with the pipes.” A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “We are sure this is merely an oversight and the Sports Minister has written to the organisers of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand to request this position is reversed.”No one from organisers Rugby World Cup 2011 or the New Zealand Consulate in Edinburgh was available to comment.