SAINTS have received backlash after banning Grimsby's famous inflatable mascot from their upcoming clash at St Mary's. 

Mariners fans have hit out at Southampton FC following the announcement that Harry Haddock would not be allowed at their fifth-round FA Cup tie.

The club will face Grimsby Town on Wednesday, March 1 in what is the League 2 sides' first fifth-round match since 1996. 

A request was made to allow Harry into the ground but this was denied.

The club said it isn't a decision aimed specifically at Mariners fans. 

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In a post, Grimsby Town said: "The Club have today received confirmation from Southampton that Harry Haddocks will not be permitted at St Mary’s for our Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round tie.

"We made initial requests to the Premier League club last week for our supporters to be able to take the iconic inflatable to our Fifth Round tie on Wednesday 1 st March but this afternoon our hosts officially declined the request.

"Southampton have made similar refusals to other clubs throughout this campaign and it is not just a decision aimed at Mariners supporters. Any supporters who take Harry Haddocks into the stadium will have them confiscated."

"We share our supporters’ inevitable frustration at this decision but we know you will support us brilliantly in our first FA Cup Fifth Round tie since 1996."

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Grimsby currently sit 17th in the fourth tier whilst Southampton are 20th in the Premier League. 

One Grimsby fan, David Tuck, told the Echo: "I understand your football fans have had little to make them smile this season but banning our inflatable Harry Haddocks from your ground shows how sad a plaice you have become.

"It is a bit of fun allowed at other grounds and as the fans will be segregated will not affect the local fans only Mariners.

"You risk being branded as killjoys. Show some Sole!"

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