Arsenal’s Gunnersaurus to return after supporters launch bid to save mascot
It is unclear who will be wear the costume once fans are allowed back into the Emirates Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus is set to continue in his matchday and community roles once the coronavirus pandemic allows supporters back inside the Emirates Stadium.
Contrary to a number of reports, it is understood the dinosaur mascot will still entertain fans upon their return – although it is currently unclear who will be under the costume.
Jerry Quy has portrayed Gunnersaurus for the past 27 years but was made redundant as part of the job-cutting scheme implemented by Arsenal in the summer.
The club announced in August that they planned to make 55 roles redundant due to the financial ramifications of the Covid-19 outbreak, with Quy losing his job as a supporter liaison for away matches.
"Our aim has been to protect the jobs and base salaries of our people for as long as we possibly can. Unfortunately, we have now come to the point where we are proposing 55 redundancies," the club said in a statement released on 5 August.
With games being played behind closed doors since Project Restart in mid-June, a small number of supporters were supposed to have been returning to Premier League games last weekend.
Arsenal had been planning to welcome a select number back for Sunday's 2-1 win over Sheffield United, but a change in government guidelines means the return of supporters has been delayed indefinitely.
Gunnersaurus has therefore not been required at Arsenal home games, with Quy's former role on away trips also currently not needed.
Discussions on whether he continues to don the Gunnersaurus costume moving forward have not yet concluded, but the Gunnersaurus gimmick will live on, even if a new employee takes on the role from Quy.
On Monday, a GoFundMe page for was set up by George Allen and has already raised almost £9,000.
A statement on the page read: "Gunnersaurus has been the Arsenal club mascot for 27 years. He's a club icon and we cannot let him become extinct."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments