Football: No bagpipe ban for England-Scotland - FA

England’s Football Association on Monday said that there would be no ban on musical instruments for the country’s upcoming friendly fixture against Scotland after reports that bagpipes would be banned.

A number of British newspaper reports suggested that bagpipes — Scotland’s national instrument — would not be allowed into London’s Wembley stadium on health and safety grounds.

But amid cries of foul from Scottish lawmakers, the FA clarified that there was no reason for a ban — provided they were licensed in advance for use at the 80,000-seater stadium.

“We regularly welcome the England supporters group who play instruments to Wembley Stadium and have worked with clubs and fan groups, on a case by case basis, to facilitate entry for personalised items not permitted within the stadium ground regulations,” said FA spokesman Stuart Mahwinney.

“There is a process in place for every fixture and, with prior notice and agreement to the specific criteria, they are permitted entry and to play within the stadium in pre-agreed areas.

“It should be made clear that any supporters who do not seek prior permission through the official channels, in this case the Scottish FA, and attempt to enter the ground with any prohibited items they will either be confiscated or the ticket holder refused entry.”

England versus Scotland is the oldest international fixture, and the August 14 match will be the first time the two sides have played each other in 14 years.

The fixture is part of the 150-year celebrations of the FA and the 140th anniversary of its Scottish counterpart.