Arsenal’s beloved mascot Gunnersaurus SACKED after 27 years to cut costs amid coronavirus crisis and fan ban

ARSENAL have AXED their beloved mascot Gunnersaurus after 27 years in order to cut costs amid the coronavirus crisis.

Jerry Quy, the man inside the costume since its birth in 1993, has been released by Emirates chiefs.

Arsenal have axed mascot Gunnersaurus after 27 years of serviceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Jerry Quy, the man inside the costume, has been let go after 27 yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor

Having already made 55 non-playing staff redundant in August, the Gunners have now told their iconic mascot to pack his bags as part of their streamlining measures.

With football fans still banned from stadiums, clubs across the world have been counting the cost.

And with no supporters to entertain, Arsenal have deemed Gunnersaurus’ job surplus to requirements.

Quy was only at the club on a part-time basis and does not count towards the 55 non-playing staff made redundant during the summer.

He was a hugely popular figure at the Emirates, as proven by the hoards of fans criticising his exit, including Ian Wright, golfer Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and Piers Morgan.

In fact, Morgan vowed to fight for Gunnersaurus’ job, tweeting: “

You’re going nowhere ⁦@Gunnersaurus⁩. I refuse to let ⁦@Arsenal⁩ sack you. Come on ⁦@m8arteta⁩ ⁦@Aubameyang7⁩ – this is not what our club is about. #savegunnersaurus”

Quy, a lifelong fan of the Gunners since taking in his first game in 1963, was part of the Junior Gunners and Travel Club.

So committed was the man behind Gunnersaurus, he even missed his own brother’s wedding to attend a home game.

Even without live football or fans, Quy kept fans entertained during lockdown.

Throwing on the costume, he shared some snaps of ‘Gunnersaurus at Home’ in a bid to cheer up house-bounds supporters.

Quy shared pictures of himself gardening, ironing and watching Bargain Hunt to pass the time.

Despite his incredible commitment, Gunnersaurus has been relieved of his duties as the club feels the financial pinch of Covid-19.