FOOTBALL mascots are threatening to down costumes and strike over Football League plans to curb their pitch antics.

With the fur flying between mascots, fans and stewards, soccer bosses are threatening to impose a code of conduct to tackle bad behaviour.

Now The National Union of Mascots, led by York City's Yorkie the Lion, are planning to withdraw their pitch-side antics.

The clampdown comes after a spate of incidents involving furry football mascots.

Hartlepool United's H'Angus the monkey, played by Stuart Drummond, was red-carded for being drunk as he cavorted with a blow-up doll.

In another incident last year, the 6ft 4in primate was in trouble for simulating a particularly primeval act behind a female steward during a match at Scunthorpe.

He declined to comment when contacted by The Northern Echo yesterday.

However, Yorkie the Lion said the mascot's call for industrial action was sparked by the row with the Football League over TV rights.

"Everyone is getting militant about these plans to restrict our conduct so fans should be warned - we may stop entertaining the crowds if we don't get our way."

Mascot Mr Quaker at Darlington FC was also unavailable for comment, but the club's director of public relations, Luke Raine, spoke on his behalf. "I'm quite sure Mr Q considers it a privilege to see the game for free and enjoy a real rapport with the fans," he said.

"So, I'm sure he, like the rest of us, thinks the strike idea is a load of nonsense."

A spokesman for the Football League said: "There's no need for good-natured fun-loving mascots to be concerned."