Mascot Ban Fuels Rivalry Ahead of Auckland FC–Phoenix Clash
A petition has been initiated to overturn the ban on Tāma the Kingfisher, the Auckland FC mascot, from participating at Sky Stadium. The ban was imposed by the Wellington Phoenix before the match scheduled for Saturday evening.
Details of the Ban
Tāma’s ban prevents the mascot from joining the Phoenix-hosted mascot race, which is set to occur between the men’s and women’s doubleheader game. This decision has prompted Auckland FC to take action by launching an official petition seeking to reverse it.
Protest Actions and Club Response
Tāma was pictured outside Parliament and Sky Stadium protesting the ban. An Auckland FC spokesperson expressed strong disapproval, describing the ban as unfair to “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 spokesperson said. “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 Explanation
Brenton Vannisselroy, head of media for Wellington Phoenix, explained the reason for the exclusion, stating the mascot race consists exclusively of mascots based in Wellington.
Summary
The ban on Auckland FC's mascot Tāma from a local mascot race has stirred tensions between the clubs, highlighting issues of fairness and local representation ahead of their match.
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