German fans mounting protest after hockey mascot fired (Video)

Adler Mannheim of the German DEL defeated Joey MacDonald and the Schwenninger Wild Wings last Friday 1-0. The takeaway from the game wasn’t Mannheim's first victory of the season; instead it involved a mascot, rival fans and a silly decision.

Following the game, Mannheim’s mascot, a loveable scamp named Udo, who happens to be an oversized hamster, had some fun with the group of Schwenninger fans in attendance. A little too much fun, it seems:

Flipping the bird and a few suggestive gestures toward the opposing fans got Udo, well, the actor inside, fired from the gig.

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"This behavior was unacceptable. We have apologized [to] Schwenninger and notified the agency that we no longer want [the actor],” Adler Managing Director Matthias Binder told BILD. "That is not our values. We also have children and young people in the audience.”

Rumors swirled that Udo the mascot would be banned forever. Like, the actual mascot. Not, you know, the person inside. But the team posted a statement on their Facebook clarifying the situation.

Allegedly, Udo the Hamster was hit by objects throw from Schwenninger fans, which provoked his response.

Mannheim fans are not taking this decision lightly, and over 2,500 of them have signed an online petition calling for the reinstatement of the fired actor. They are also planning a protest before their next home game on Friday night. They’re serious about this. Just look at this fan!

#FreeUdo

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy

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