BEST BEHAVIOUR: Robbie the Bobby MASCOT mania looks set to be a thing of the past from next season after the Football Association went ahead with plans to draw up a new code of conduct.

Bury FC's controversial Robbie the Bobby has already threatened to hang up his boots if the new rules come in. He was sent off for the third time this season last week after mooning at visiting Bristol fans.

And Wanderers' Lofty the Lion will have to mind his paws from now on.

The cuddly looking mascots will now have to remain on best behaviour. New rules will include:

No jumping around behind the goal while the opposing team takes a penalty

Keep whole costume on while in character

No attacking opposition mascots

Keep off the pitch while match is in progress

No taunting rivals fans or vulgar behaviour

"At the end of the day it is down to the clubs to control their mascots' behaviour but it was felt that a code of conduct would help," said an FA spokesman.