BARNET have managed to do what a number of people have tried but failed - cage Yorkie the Lion.

York City's infamous mascot was barred by the London club from performing his comic antics on the Underhill pitch and roaring on the Minstermen from pitch-side.

He instead had to stay within the confines of the visiting fans' terrace.

The reason?

Barnet's own mascot, Mr Bumble, was unlikely to be at the match - well, Bees don't come out in winter - and the hosts did not want an opposition mascot on the pitch without a cuddly rival.

Barnet said Yorkie was allowed to join the City fans in the South East Terrace for today's Football League Division Three encounter. The Minstermen confirmed he would be there.

But rather than obstruct the views of City's travelling army with his massive head and furry mane, the oversized lion was more likely to eschew his match-day garb for human attire and cheer on the team as a normal fan.