Mascot Ban Sparks Rivalry Ahead of Auckland FC–Phoenix Match
A petition has been started to reverse the ban on Tāma the Kingfisher, Auckland FC's mascot, from participating at Sky Stadium. The ban was imposed by the Wellington Phoenix before their Saturday evening match, affecting Tāma's involvement in the mascot race held between the men’s and women’s games hosted by the Phoenix.
Tāma was seen protesting outside Parliament and Sky Stadium. An Auckland FC spokesperson expressed strong disapproval, calling Tāma an “innocent symbol” and describing the ban as “some of the most egregious behaviour I have ever come across.”
“To ban a kid’s mascot from a halftime mascot race is frankly some of the most egregious behaviour I have ever come across. It is why we have launched this petition and travelled to Parliament, the home of fairness and decency, to get this decision overturned.”
Wellington Phoenix’s head of media, Brenton Vannisselroy, explained the ban by stating the mascot race comprises only Wellington-based mascots.
- Auckland FC launched an official petition against the ban.
- The mascot race occurs during the Phoenix home double-header event.
- The protest included presence at Parliament, emphasizing fairness.
Tensions have risen playfully as the two teams prepare to face off, with the mascot ban becoming a focal point of the pre-match rivalry.
Author's Summary
The exclusion of Auckland FC’s mascot Tāma from the Phoenix’s stadium event has ignited a spirited dispute, prompting petitions and protests over mascot race participation rules.