Labour leader Keir Starmer hits out at Arsenal for sacking Gunnersaurus mascot to save cash

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LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer took a pop at his beloved Arsenal for sacking mascot Gunnersaurus.

Sir Keir said he “takes a dim view” of football clubs spending millions on transfers while making staff redundant but he applauded want-away star Mesut Ozil for offering to pay his wages.

The Labour leader has taken a jab at Arsenal FC for sacking their beloved mascot Gunnersaurus

Jerry Quy has portrayed Gunnersaurus for the past 27 years, but was made redundant as part of a job-cutting scheme implemented by Arsenal in the summer

And Tory London Mayor candidate Shaun Bailey also had a go at the club for splashing out £50 million on a new player days after throwing the mascot onto the dole heap.

The Labour leader, a keen Arsenal fan, said wealthy clubs need to show solidarity with staff and supporters during the coronavirus crisis.

A spokesman for the Leader of the Opposition said: “Keir is a passionate supporter of Arsenal and he was disappointed by the club’s decision.

“Football is our national sport and all football clubs should send messages of solidarity.

“All football clubs, particularly those wealthier clubs, at this difficult time should be showing how they are supporting their staff.

“Football clubs need to demonstrate the values that have come out so strongly during this pandemic, which is compassion, decency and fairness, and we hope all the clubs take this on board.

“Keir believes that people will take a dim view of clubs which are spending millions of pounds on transfers at the same time as making hard-working staff redundant.”

Holly Willoughby has also shared her sadness as news broke that Arsenal FC have sacked their Gunnersaurus mascot.

The 39-year-old star posted a sweet tribute to the dinosaur on her Instagram page this evening, alongside a throwback photo of herself cuddled up to him.

Asked about what the Labour leader thought of Ozil’s offer, the spokesman said: “He does applaud it, that’s the kind of message footballers should be sending.”

Shaun Bailey added: “On the same day they spent nearly £50 million on a player, Arsenal’s greedy board executives fired a hard working, integral part of the clubs heritage just to save a few quid. 

“This highlights why Khan needs to get London moving again. Londoners simply can’t afford to let Khan’s reign run into extra-time, our capital city needs a new Mayor and they need it now.”

Jerry Quy has portrayed Gunnersaurus for the past 27 years, but was made redundant as part of a job-cutting scheme implemented by Arsenal in the summer.

Midfielder Ozil reportedly earns £350,000 a week as Arsenal’s top-paid player, but is currently not in the first-team picture under Mikel Arteta.

The German World Cup winner took to social media on Tuesday to post his offer of support for Mr Quy, who lost his job as a supporter liaison for away matches.

The club announced in August that they planned to make 55 roles redundant due to the financial ramifications of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Sir Keir said he ‘takes a dim view’ of football clubs spending millions on transfers

Starmer and Jeremy Corbyn are MPs for neighbouring constituencies in North London

Holly admitted she's 'very sad' by the football news

Holly Willoughby has also shared her sadness as news broke that Arsenal FC sacked the mascot

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/politics/gavin-williamson-slashes-publicly-funded-trade-union-handout/