Mascot Ban Fuels Rivalry Ahead of Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Match
A petition has been started to overturn the ban on Auckland FC's mascot, Tāma the Kingfisher, from participating at Sky Stadium. The mascot was prohibited by Wellington Phoenix officials from joining the mascot race scheduled during Saturday's doubleheader between the Phoenix men's and women's teams.
Tāma was photographed protesting outside Parliament and Sky Stadium. Auckland FC expressed strong disappointment over the ban, describing Tāma as an "innocent symbol."
"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 club launched the petition and took their protest to Parliament, calling it “the home of fairness and decency,” in an effort to have the decision reversed.
Wellington Phoenix's head of media, Brenton Vannisselroy, explained the rationale behind the ban:
"The mascot race is entirely made up of Wellington-based mascots."
This incident highlights the tension between the two clubs ahead of their upcoming match.
Author’s summary: The ban on Auckland FC’s mascot from Wellington’s stadium mascot race has sparked a public protest and petition, reflecting rising rivalry between the teams.