Mascot Ban Fuels Rivalry Before Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Match
A petition has been launched to overturn the stadium ban on Tāma the Kingfisher, the Auckland FC mascot. Tāma was banned from participating in the mascot race at Sky Stadium ahead of the match between Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix.
The ban was imposed by Wellington Phoenix prior to the Saturday evening game. This decision prevents Tāma from joining the mascot race scheduled between the Phoenix men's and women's matches, sparking a strong reaction from Auckland FC.
Tāma was seen protesting outside Parliament and Sky Stadium. An Auckland FC spokesperson expressed their shock, calling the mascot an "innocent symbol" and describing the ban as unacceptable.
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 this prompted the club to launch a petition and appeal to Parliament, which they regard as the "home of fairness and decency," in hopes of reversing the ban.
Wellington Phoenix head of media Brenton Vannisselroy explained the rationale behind excluding Tāma: the mascot race is composed solely of Wellington-based mascots.
Key Points
- Tāma the Kingfisher banned from Sky Stadium mascot race.
- Auckland FC launched a petition to overturn the ban.
- Tāma protested outside Parliament and Sky Stadium.
- Auckland FC calls the ban unjust and unfair.
- Wellington Phoenix states the race includes only local mascots.
Author's summary: The ban on Auckland FC’s mascot Tāma from the mascot race at Sky Stadium intensifies the rivalry, with protests and a petition challenging Wellington Phoenix’s local-only restriction.