CAPTAIN BLADE DIFENDE DEEPDALE DUCK

Sheffield United mascot Captain Blade has waded in to support his Preston counterpart, Deepdale Duck.

The pirate held up a sign saying Free the Preston One during the Blades' game with Doncaster on Monday in protest at the duck's weekend 'dismissal'.

North End's mascot was led away by Deepdale stewards after claims he put off Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater.

Captain Blade made his feelings clear at half-time in the South Yorkshire derby, which finished 2-2.

The protest made headlines around the world and USA Today reported: "Captain Blade wasn't prepared to see his rival forced to walk the plank by the second-tier club."

The pirate is sure to get a warm welcome when the Blades visit Deepdale for their Championship fixture in April, with Preston confirming they would not be taking any action against their mascot.

A spokesman said: "We're still not quite sure why Deepdale Duck was escorted off but he'll be back."

Preston's next home game is on Saturday, when they play host to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

It is not clear whether Forest's mascot, Robin Hood, will be making the journey north but after his recent brush with authority, the Deepdale Duck will be hoping the Sheriff of Nottingham does not put in an appearance.