Mascot Ban Intensifies Auckland FC–Phoenix Rivalry
A petition has been started to overturn the ban on Auckland FC mascot Tāma the Kingfisher from participating at Sky Stadium. The mascot, Tāma, was banned by Wellington Phoenix ahead of their match on Saturday evening, preventing Tāma from joining the Phoenix-hosted mascot race between the men’s and women’s games.
Tāma was seen protesting outside Parliament and Sky Stadium, drawing attention to the ban. An Auckland FC spokesperson expressed strong disapproval, describing the ban as “appalling” and condemning the exclusion of an “innocent symbol” like Tāma.
“To ban a kid’s mascot from a halftime mascot race is frankly some of the most egregious behaviour I have ever come across.”
The spokesperson added that the petition and visit to Parliament were efforts to appeal for fairness and decency in overturning the decision.
Wellington Phoenix's head of media, Brenton Vannisselroy, explained that Tāma’s exclusion was due to the mascot race comprising only Wellington-based mascots.
Key Facts
- Tāma the Kingfisher was banned from Sky Stadium's mascot race by Wellington Phoenix.
- The mascot race occurs between the Phoenix men’s and women’s matches.
- Auckland FC launched a petition to reverse the ban.
- Protests took place outside Parliament and the stadium.
- Wellington Phoenix restricts the mascot race to local mascots only.
Author’s Summary
The ban on Auckland FC’s mascot has escalated rivalry tensions, prompting protests and a petition to challenge Wellington Phoenix’s decision to limit the mascot race to local participants only.