They're very strange creatures if you think about it, football mascots.
As we diligently file down to watch our local sides pursue their footballing endeavours each week, never do we question the polyester and felt clad characters lurking at the side of the field - parading around in their lurid costumes to the general disinterest of the assembled crowds.
Much like that new Christopher Robin film, Nobody is exactly sure who the target audience is, and what the exact purpose is either. But still, mascots continue to merrily romp their way up and down touchlines across the footballing world.
From exotic animals to combi gas boilers (yes, really), every team has got one, and unless hologram technology enhances rapidly over the coming years, they're likely to remain a staple of the matchday experience. Like paying over the odds for a lukewarm pie containing mystery meat, or quivering in horror at a dangerously overflowing urinal.
Now call me crazy, but there is probably something severely psychologically damaging about having to dress up as a massive hammer/cockerel/elephant every week to earn a living, and now and again, mascots just lose the plot.
So here's 6 shining examples of when football mascots went rogue...
6. Cyrill the Swan - Swansea (2001)
Let us begin with a trip back in time to 2001, when a Second Division clash between Millwall and Swansea City produced a moment of mascot madness gold.
During a half-time penalty shoot-out, Swansea's Citiy's Cyrill the Swan proceeded to remove the head of Milwall's Zampa the Lion, before booting it into the stands - much to the amusement of the home supporters.
The club were fined £1000, and the incident led to the Football League introducing the first mascot code of conduct.
Cyril is a true maverick in the mascot community, having racked up a series of crimes including throwing pork pies at opposition fans and attacking his fellow costume wearing cheerleaders.
5. Harry the Hornet - Watford (2016)
In a moment of brazen brilliance, Watford's Harry the Hornet (let's be honest, he looks more like a melted Pikachu than anything else) called out Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha in spectacular style.
Following the Boxing Day clash at Vicarage Road, the mascot mocked the Ivory Coast international's booking for simulation, by theatrically diving on the pitch in front of him at the final whistle.
Needless to say, Zaha was less than impressed with Harry's cheeky antics.
4. Bertie Bee - Burnley (2013)
In truth, we've probably all been guilty of gently reminding a football official to book in for their yearly eye test at some point over the years.
Well, Burnley's Bertie Bee (who looks more like an inflated chicken nugget with racing stripes) took it a step further in 2013, as he impudently handed the linesman a pair of spectacles during a Championship clash against QPR.
Understandably, the mascot was immediately sent to the stands by the referee.
Bertie is no stranger to controversy, having also once tackled a streaker, before treating the fan to a worm dance in celebration. My word.
3. Wolfie - Wolverhampton Wanderers (1999)
A wolf, three pigs? What could possibly go wrong. If you happen to be familiar with
James Halliwell's classic fable, you'll know the answer is: a lot.
In 1999, in the half-time penalty shoot-out, Wolverhampton Wanderers' mascot Wolfie took on a trio of pigs representing Bristol City at Molineux. A recipe for disaster.
A scuffle soon ensued, with Wolfie taking on the porcine trio following some perceived cheating from the Bristol City representatives. Security guards swiftly broke up the melee, as it threatened to spill over into an all-out barnyard brawl.
2. Billy the Badger - Fulham (2008)
In the list of bizarre reasons for kick-offs being delayed, a breakdancing badger has got to be up there.
In 2008, as Fulham took on Aston Villa at Craven Cottage, Billy the Badger incurred the wrath of fans and officials alike, as he busted his finest moves in the centre circle - seemingly oblivious to the fact that the all the players were in position to start the second half.
The referee gave Billy his marching orders, and the fans went home happy as their side won the match 2-1.
1. Gilbert the Gull - Torquay United (2014)
Now here's a bit of a shocker. In 2014, as Torquay United lost a 3-2 thriller to Grimsby Town, the home side's mascot turned on his own fans in a moment of sheer mascot madness.
As tensions rose, Torquay mascot Gilbert the Gull was spotted engaging in a heated altercation with the home supporters, reportedly sending some particularly foul (pun very much intended) expletives towards the shocked fans, challenging them to a fight.
Gilbert was reprimanded by the club for his actions, and picked up a one match ban.