Mascot ban inflames rivalry ahead of Auckland FC–Phoenix clash
A petition has been launched to overturn the stadium ban on Auckland FC mascot Tāma the Kingfisher. The decision has intensified the rivalry between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix ahead of their upcoming match.
Protest and petition
Tāma the Kingfisher, dressed in full costume, appeared outside both Parliament and Sky Stadium to protest the ban. Auckland FC stated that the mascot’s exclusion from the Saturday mascot race at Sky Stadium was unfair and contrary to sportsmanship.
“To ban a kid’s mascot from a halftime mascot race is frankly some of the most egregious behaviour I have ever come across,”
An Auckland FC spokesperson explained this is why they had launched a formal petition and brought the issue to Parliament—describing it as the “home of fairness and decency”—in hopes of reversing the decision.
Phoenix’s explanation
Wellington Phoenix head of media Brenton Vannisselroy clarified that the mascot race is restricted to Wellington-based mascots, which led to Tāma’s exclusion.
The ban, though lighthearted in nature, has become a flashpoint highlighting the spirited rivalry between the two football clubs ahead of their A-League double header.
Author’s Note
Rivalry intensifies as Auckland FC's beloved mascot Tāma sparks a petition and public debate after being banned from Sky Stadium’s mascot race.