Outrage over starter pistol ban from 'The Great Shirt Race' in Oxfordshire

London, May 28 (ANI): Villagers at Bampton in rural Oxfordshire got upset after a starter pistol, an Olympic .380 BBM, was banned from being used at the traditional Great Shirt Race competition.

The ban happened after it was shown that the pistol could be turned into a lethal weapon resulting in the race getting started with an airhorn.

During the historic run, which has been taking place since centuries, contestants run from pub to pub.

A 12-bore shotgun was traditionally used but after pressure from police a starter pistol was introduced in 2000.

The race organizers and villagers have collectively expressed their disappointment at the ban.

"It's going to be bad because people won't be able to hear it," the Daily Express quoted race starter John Buckingham as saying.

"We are village people, we aren't criminals," Master of ceremonies Don Rouse added. (ANI)