Auckland FC supporters target Wellington Phoenix coach with offensive post

Friday 5 December 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 5 Dec 2025, 2:05pm

In this story NZME, Black Caps, Wellington Phoenix, Auckland FC, Giancarlo Italiano

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has dismissed an offensive social media post from Auckland FC supporters that depicted him as a clown. The supporters group shared the image online ahead of the two clubs' upcoming A-League match on Saturday evening.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldFri 5 Dec 2025, 9:00am

   Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix: How the A-League rivalry took off (opens in new tab)

2. StuffFri 5 Dec 2025, 2:05pm

   Auckland FC supporters target Wellington Phoenix coach with offensive social media post (opens in new tab)