QPR bizarrely sack mascot Jude the Cat amid matchday 'flirting' allegations

According to The Sun, the person in the costume has been axed after a string of warnings to stop chatting up match-goers and get on with their job. The report adds some supporters are dismayed at the decision but a replacement will take up the role in their place.

While it is likely Jude the Cat, who has reportedly danced and cheered at games since 2008, will return soon with a new successor, on the pitch, QPR are trying to stay in the Championship. Marti Cifuentes' side are currently 16th in the table, six points above the relegation zone with six games to go.

The mascot reportedly got the name Jude after a black cat which lived at Loftus Road and was seen as a good-luck charm by supporters. In 2007, he was nearly chucked out by then-owner Flavio Briatore because black cats are considered symbols of evil in his native Italy.

The new Jude the Cat could be in place for QPR's home clash at Loftus Road against relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon (April 6).