The mascot of an English soccer team was fired after trading her costume for lingerie in a charity photo shoot, according to multiple reports Wednesday.
Tracy Chandler, a 40-year-old mother of three, had spent several years as voluntary mascot of the Doncaster Rovers, wearing the Donny Dog costume at matches and while representing the club at charitable functions.
But Rover officials relieved Chandler of her duties, according to the reports, after the recent racy photo shoot with the national publication Sunday Sport.
Chandler, who is from Armthorpe, Doncaster, said she agreed to the photo shoot to raise money for the children’s charity NSPCC, which the team has supported with recent fundraisers.
"I can't believe what has happened. I am livid that they have done this,” Chandler was quoted as saying. “I have worked hard as the mascot and I didn't even get paid for it. I loved the job and I was more than happy to do it.
"The club has sacked me and I am devastated because I only did the pictures in the first place to help raise money for a really worthwhile charity.”
A Rovers official declined comment.
Chandler was especially angry because she had cut back on her hours as a hairdresser to make her Donny Dog appearances.
"Now, they are saying I have disgraced the club,” said Chandler, who believes she is the only female mascot in the top four divisions of English soccer. “If I want to do something for charity — and in this case to help the NSPCC charity — why shouldn't I? It's my body.”
Chandler told BBC Radio FiveLive: "I'm absolutely devastated. I've not stopped crying all morning.”
