ROARING success Lofty the Lion is likely to become one of the surprise subjects of football's latest crackdown.

Not content with clamping down on players' excesses, the Football League are drawing up a new set of guidelines governing the behaviour of mascots.

The move has been prompted by several incidents of furry fury -- most famously when Wolverhampton Wanderers' Wolfie and Bristol City's oversized pig traded blows in a half-time brawl last season.

Superwhites mascot Lofty was himself the focus of criticism from Wolves fans who alleged he had taunted them prior to ugly scenes at the Reebok in January 1997.

But no action was taken against the cuddly king of the jungle when the Football Association decided he had not overstepped the mark.

Unfortunately, the same can not be said for some of his counterparts.

"We believe there is definitely a need for a code of conduct," said Football League spokesman John Nagle. "Mascots add a sense of fun and attract youngsters to matches but there have been a few negative incidents."

The proposed code would ban players from taunting rival fans, entering the field of play and other "inappropriate" behaviour.

A Wanderers spokesman welcomed the idea, which is currently only at a blueprint stage. "As far as we are concerned anything that ensures the best possible behaviour and good order has to be welcomed," he said.

"Kids obviously copy by example and as well as looking up to the players the mascot is their hero.

"Fans do relate closely to mascots and I think it's important if football is going to continue to attract a family audience."

Lofty plays a regular role in the club's community activities and his popularity has been underlined by the launch of a new Lofty Kids Club for fans aged five and under. Membership is £12 and includes a mini Lofty toy.

Supporters aged six to 16 can join the Junior Whites club for £15. They receive gifts and reductions on tickets and club merchandise.