Arsenal's loveable mascot Gunnersaurs has been sacked after 27 years of service as part of the club's latest Covid-19 financial cuts.
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jerry Quy, who has played the role of the dinosaur mascot since its establishment in 1993, has been let go as the club continue its cut-backs.
Arsenal have felt the absence of fans more than most with the club more reliant on their matchday revenue and as such Gunnersaurus' role is no longer deemed essential.
Arsenal announced they were making 55 redundancies in August because of the financial impact of the pandemic, a decision which was met with hostility from fans.
Players were also unhappy when the club announced the redundancies after agreeing to take pay-cuts to help the club the club's finances.
Because Quy's role is part-time, his departure is not counted among the 55 but is part of the same cost-cutting process.
Gunnersaurus' departure is bound to also upset supporters with mascot a hugely popular figure at the club.
Quy has also shown his dedication to following the Gunners home and away since 1963.
His loyalty to the club even reportedly led to him missing his brother's wedding to in order to attend a home game.
During lockdown the iconic Gunnersaurus suit was kept at Quy's home, leading to several pictures of the mascot 'working from home' - which even involved a zoom call with other football mascots.
The mascot has been a huge part of the club's journey, experiencing the highs of Arsene Wenger's reign including the invincible season of 2003-2004.
The Athletic report that Arsenal confirmed Quy had left his post as they 'strive to do everything more efficiently.' However, they insisted Gunnersaurus will return.
