EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal have revealed Gunnersaurus will return when supporters are allowed back at the Emirates, the club has confirmed to the Gooner Fanzine. 

The much-loved larger than life dinosaur has been the Gunners official mascot for more than three decades - until this morning, when he was laid off. 

With the club's finances taking a huge hit during the Covid crisis with huge earners such as Mesut Ozil still on the payroll at £350k a week, owner Stan Kroenke has taken the decision to dispense of the services of the green dinosaur.

However, with fans in uproar over the annoucement, the club told the Gooner that the mascot would return when fans return.

Yet, the north Londoners would not confirm whether the man behind the loveable dinosaur, Jerry Quy, would once again act as Gunnersaurus. 

"The part time role of Gunnersaurus has not been concluded," the club said, adding: "Gunnersaurus hasn't been at behind closed-door matches but will return when fans come back."

Fans on social media have shown their displeaure with the hashtag KroenkeOut trending on Monday.

Gunnersaurus' future

Because Quy's role is only part-time, his exit has not counted among the 55 redundancies the north Londoners announced this summer, but is part of the same penny-saving programme. 

Gunnersaurus is a hugely popular figure at the club with Quy showing his dedication to following the Gunners home and away since 1963. 

His loyalty to Arsenal saw him miss his brother's wedding so he could attend a home match.

During lockdown the instantly-recognisable Gunnersaurus suit was stored at Quy's home, leading to images of the Arsenal mascot 'working from home' - including a Zoom call with other mascots from the world of football.

The club would not confirm if Jerry would return to his role when Gunnersaurus returns. 

Follow Layth on Twitter