A ROW has broken out with Games organisers at the Bolton Arena - over a squirrel!

The Scottish badminton team mascot, a giant Squirrel, has been forced to go on parade with tape across his chest to cover up the Bank of Scotland's name.

The organisers decided that, although the bank support the whole of the Scotland team, they are not official sponsors.

And the squirrel is not the only one who is suffering. Scotland fans have been limited in the number of so-called

inflatable thundersticks' they can use.

The sticks, which you beat together in a pair, were banned after the team event finished on Tuesday because of the logo.

Scotland protested and leading player Russell Hogg branded the decision "a disgrace".

Now, though, the Games organisers have had a re-think and are allowing Scotland to dish out 30 sticks with the Bank of Scotland name taped out.

Anne Smillie, chief executive of Badminton Scotland, said: "The thundersticks were banned for commercial reasons but we have now reached a compromise.

"What we have managed to achieve is a wonderful atmosphere in this arena.

"Thundersticks are used throughout Asia and we have had a terrific time.

"By creating all this fuss it is not good for the Games. These are supposed to be the friendly games."

Hogg said: "It was a disgrace the thundersticks were banned. People brought them down from Scotland and were handing them out to other supporters as well. The atmosphere was tremendous."

A Games official explained that the concession was granted because they were keen to keep the atmosphere.

Alison Lees, commercial manager at the Bolton Arena, said: "The thundersticks are a restricted item.

"They have the Bank of Scotland branding on them and that's ambush marketing.

"However we have allowed the Scotland team to use a limited number with the bank's name taped out."