Mascot ban fuels rivalry before Auckland FC–Phoenix clash
A petition has been launched to reverse the ban of Auckland FC’s mascot Tāma the Kingfisher from Sky Stadium. The ban, imposed by Wellington Phoenix, prevents Tāma from participating in the halftime mascot race during the upcoming A-League double header.
The decision has sparked tension between the clubs ahead of their Saturday evening match. Tāma, seen outside Parliament and Sky Stadium protesting, has become the focus of fan support and debate.
“To ban a kid’s mascot from a halftime mascot race is frankly some of the most egregious behaviour I have ever come across,” said an Auckland FC spokesperson. “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 reasoning behind the exclusion, stating that the mascot race is composed entirely of Wellington-based mascots.
Fan reaction and rivalry
The incident has added an extra layer of rivalry and humor to the Auckland FC–Phoenix matchup, with supporters from both sides weighing in on the growing mascot drama.
Summary
Supporters rally behind Auckland FC's mascot Tāma after a ban from Sky Stadium, intensifying pre-match rivalry and prompting a petition for reinstatement.