Sharks are normally the predators not the prey - but for Sid the Shark the tables have turned.
The mascot of Sussex County Cricket Club is holding his fins up in protest after being barred from entering the home of cricket.
The fan’s favourite had hoped to lead the support for the club’s Friends Provident Trophy final against Hampshire Hawks on Saturday.
But the top brass at Lord’s have said they will slam the Grace Gates on his nose due to their strict laws on tradition.
The county’s cricketing faithful have now vowed to fight the ban.
Their show of support has given the mascot a boost and he has been spotted around the County Ground in Hove waving a placard saying “Let me into Lords.”
A petition to get the cuddly fish through the turnstiles has also been set up by the club.
Supporter Harry Gape, 11, from Eastbourne, said: “It is so unfair. Sid is great fun and everyone will miss him if they don’t change their minds.
“Sid is not like the vicious shark in Jaws, he is really friendly and has never bitten anyone.”
Dave Brooks, the club’s chief executive, said: “It was quite a surprise to hear that Lord’s would not let Sid in.
“He enjoys great support among all the Sussex fans at Hove and it is clear they want to send a message to the authorities that this decision needs reversing.”
The final on Sunday will be the county’s tenth visit to Lord’s for a one-day final.
Sid’s fate rests in the hands of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who own the ground.
Clare Skinner, of the MCC, said: “Lord's has a no fancy dress policy in place for all matches and this applies to anyone entering the ground, including mascots.
“Sid the Shark should not take it personally as the regulation has been in place for many years.”
To show your support for Sid go to Sussex County Cricket Club . You can also tell us why Sid should be allowed into Lord’s below.
Don’t miss The Argus for full coverage of the Friends Provident Trophy final. There will be a special eight-page preview in Saturday’s paper.
In Monday’s Argus there will be a four-page fans picture special and a four page report of the match.
The mascot of Sussex County Cricket Club is holding his fins up in protest after being barred from entering the home of cricket.
The fan’s favourite had hoped to lead the support for the club’s Friends Provident Trophy final against Hampshire Hawks on Saturday.
But the top brass at Lord’s have said they will slam the Grace Gates on his nose due to their strict laws on tradition.
The county’s cricketing faithful have now vowed to fight the ban.
Their show of support has given the mascot a boost and he has been spotted around the County Ground in Hove waving a placard saying “Let me into Lords.”
A petition to get the cuddly fish through the turnstiles has also been set up by the club.
Supporter Harry Gape, 11, from Eastbourne, said: “It is so unfair. Sid is great fun and everyone will miss him if they don’t change their minds.
“Sid is not like the vicious shark in Jaws, he is really friendly and has never bitten anyone.”
Dave Brooks, the club’s chief executive, said: “It was quite a surprise to hear that Lord’s would not let Sid in.
“He enjoys great support among all the Sussex fans at Hove and it is clear they want to send a message to the authorities that this decision needs reversing.”
The final on Sunday will be the county’s tenth visit to Lord’s for a one-day final.
Sid’s fate rests in the hands of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who own the ground.
Clare Skinner, of the MCC, said: “Lord's has a no fancy dress policy in place for all matches and this applies to anyone entering the ground, including mascots.
“Sid the Shark should not take it personally as the regulation has been in place for many years.”
To show your support for Sid go to Sussex County Cricket Club . You can also tell us why Sid should be allowed into Lord’s below.
Don’t miss The Argus for full coverage of the Friends Provident Trophy final. There will be a special eight-page preview in Saturday’s paper.
In Monday’s Argus there will be a four-page fans picture special and a four page report of the match.
