PRESTON North End's mascot, Deepdale Duck has been warned his wings will be clipped if he gets into more trouble with football officials.

The duck, pictured, was side-lined during last weekend's clash with Oldham after trying to give one of the opposition players a drink as he went to throw the ball back in.

But referee Mr Burns told Deepdale Duck to leave the pitch and spend the remainder of the game out of harm's way.

Community development officer Ross McWilliam, the duck's guardian, said: "I think everyone was bit surprised by what happened.

"He was only trying to be helpful but the referee said the next time he did it he would receive a card for it because he was on the playing surface."

It isn't the first time the duck has caught the attention of match officials.

Last month he was reprimanded for mimicking the warm-up exercises of the Wycombe Wanderers players.

And Blackburn goalkeeper Tim Flowers has always blamed the duck for distracting him before PNE scored in a League Cup tie last season.

PNE deputy chairman Derek Shaw said: "We don't know why the duck was dismissed at the weekend. Perhaps it was because he had a white shirt like the PNE team on so he was confusing the Oldham players.

"I think it is a nonsense. But if he does step out of line we will clip his wings."

A Football League spokesman said that the authority had had problems with mascots in other parts of the country.

He added: "By comparison, Deepdale Duck is quite well behaved.

"The incident hasn't been reported so I think the referee was trying to show that football officials do have a sense of humour."

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