Mascot sidelined after being filmed stumbling at match

A football mascot was relieved of his duties during an FA Cup match following what was described as "erratic and unprofessional" behaviour.

Sammy the Saint, the official mascot of St Albans City, was seen stumbling over advertising boards ahead of the club's 6-0 defeat at Burton Albion.

The home side told the BBC that the individual inside the costume was a fan invited by St Albans to take on mascot duties for the day.

"He was just stripped of his mascot duties and wasn't allowed to wear the Sammy costume," said a Burton spokesperson.

"He was allowed to remain in the stands to watch the game."

The club - who are nicknamed The Brewers - described his behaviour as "erratic and unprofessional."

Darren White, a St Albans supporter from Buckinghamshire, said he witnessed the mascot fall into his terrace roughly 15 minutes before kick-off.

Burton's stewards "were clearly not at all happy" when they escorted him off the pitch, Mr White added.

The BBC has asked St Albans City for a comment.

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