Plymouth ban 'Alex the Greek'

Alex has offered to leave his weapons at home

Plymouth Argyle have banned Exeter City's mascot from their derby match because of fears he may incite violence.

Club officials think Alex the Greek's warrior costume is too aggressive but have said they may allow him in after he offered to leave his spear and shield at home.

There is a lot of rivalry between the clubs, but Alex has never caused any trouble

  Exeter's marketing manager Julie Richards

"He gesticulates at the crowd with a spear. We don't want to provoke any trouble," said Argyle's commercial manager Andy Budge.

"The last away mascot we had here was Chester the Fieldmouse, who was cuddly. Alex is a Greek soldier - we don't want some idiot jumping out of the crowd and having a go at him."

Julie Richards, Exeter City marketing manager, said: "Our club nickname is The Grecians so we wanted a Greek warrior as our mascot.

"He's become a cult hero. There is a lot of rivalry between the clubs, but Alex has never caused any trouble."