Today is transfer deadline day in global club soccer, with teams scrambling to make deals to supplement their squads — or offload players they deem surplus to requirements.
But the most pressing bit of news on Monday morning wasn’t about a player signing, but rather about the firing of a dinosaur.
As part of a cost-cutting measure, Arsenal laid of several employees this week, including Jerry Quy, the man who has played the mascot Gunnersaurus since the lovable dino was introduced in 1993.
Quy also worked as a supporter liaison, but he’s no longer employed in either capacity. According to ESPN, Quy may be able to return on game days as Gunnersaurus once fans are allowed back in the stands, but that doesn’t change the fact that ARSENAL SACKED GUNNERSAURUS.
Fans were despondent. They made a lot of jokes, but they were despondent.
Gunnersaurus has been let go by Arsenal Football Club. Shambles. Today will go down in history as one of the darkest days at the club. pic.twitter.com/quTZO8w4Kt
— Not a football account (@1886_blog) October 5, 2020
Stan Kroenke killed the dinosaurs. Of all heinous things that man has done in sport, firing Gunnersaurus, who has been Arsenal’s one constant in good times and bad (and badder) up there with crushing the hearts of St.Louis fans by moving Rams. RIP Gunny Forever in our hearts 🦖💔 pic.twitter.com/jTysbD4vlU
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 5, 2020
Couldn’t afford Aouar 3 days ago. Dropping €50m cash for Partey today. Makes you wonder just how much they were paying Gunnersaurus.
— JB™️ (@gunnerpunner) October 5, 2020
BREAKING: Man City and Man Utd have both submitted bids of over £75m to Arsenal for the signature of Gunnersaurus pic.twitter.com/bzY88VnCbs
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) October 5, 2020
Gunnersaurus out, Thomas Partey in 🤝
Good business from Arsenal? 😂#DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/Yg2vrDldh7
— Goal (@goal) October 5, 2020
A football club owner worth 8 billion dollars simply can’t afford to keep a beloved mascot employed these days. Had to axe sweet Gunnersaurus after 27 years, in the middle of a pandemic. Just had to be done. No other choice. Definitely worth it. Loved the “community” campaign btw pic.twitter.com/avhzX11DrL
— Zack Goldman, wearing a mask (@ThatDamnYank) October 5, 2020
— Nate Scott (@aNateScott) October 5, 2020
I will never forgive this club for letting Gunnersaurus go. pic.twitter.com/tMWULzekSx
— Gowtham #KroenkeOut (@Gtham_14) October 5, 2020
Arsenal let go of Gunnersaurus?
nice take away more things that bring a smile to the fans🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/ANPZVwLZiR
— KS (@sheth_happens) October 5, 2020
