BURY FC's Robbie the Bobby has threatened to hang up his boots if the Football Association goes ahead with plans to introduce a code of conduct for mascots.

The controversial Gigg Lane cheerleader, real name Jonathan Pollard, said he will not enjoy dancing along the touchline if the governing body toughens up its regulations.

Robbie the Bobby was sent off for the third time this season on Tuesday night when he reportedly mooned at the visiting Bristol fans and walked into the opposing manager's technical area.

It was the final straw for the FA, who have said rules dictating what mascots can and cannot do could be introduced by the start of the next season.

But Jonathan, a plumber, said today he may have to consider his future if legislation is introduced to curb his antics.

The 26-year-old said: "I'll just carry on doing what I'm doing, having a bit of fun.

"If people start telling me I can't do what I'm doing and I've got to sit around, I might have to think about hanging my boots up."

Robbie the Bobby, who is a cartoon policeman, named after the town's famous son and founder of the police, Robert Peel, was sent off in the Division Two clash by referee mike Dean, who said he was being "stupid".

The mascot was first given his marching orders against Stoke when he incited 2,000 fans by mooning at them. Then, two weeks ago, he was ejected form the ground for brawling with the Cardiff City mascot, Barclay the Bluebird.

Eight stewards had to race on to the pitch to break up the fight.

Brawl

Jonathan's controversial antics have also brought him fame. The incidents have been shown across the world, including America's CNN.

A spokesman for the FA said: "We think it is time to have some do's and don'ts for mascots. It really is up to the clubs to control them."

Any new code of conduct would affect all mascots.

Wanderers' Lofty the Lion was reported to the governing body in January 1997 after it was claimed he started a brawl among Wolves supporters at Burnden Park.

After a goal by John McGinlay, Lofty celebrated in front of the away fans and was pelted with pies and pasties.