The organisation issued the request via social media after a small number of parents and supporters took umbrage at not being able to watch games from the stand or sidelines.
"The staff at Mainland Football do not deserve the abuse they have been receiving from a small number of parents and supporters.
"Please show some respect. It’s hugely disappointing given the efforts staff have made to ensure football can be played this year,” the Facebook post read.
Mainland Football chief executive Julian Bowden reinforced that message when justifying why supporters were barred despite level two restrictions allowing crowds of up to 100.
“We made a call quite early on that we would continue to run games here but people would need to stay outside the perimeter of the ground.
“That was communicated extensively through the clubs and social media but you still get people that don’t pick that up, and turn up and they’re disappointed.
“I get they’re disappointed but I think people need to be reasonable. Screaming at staff doesn’t do a whole lot for me.
“Our whole commitment has been to get football back up and running. It’s alright to be disappointed but at least their kids or partners or friends are able to play sport and they can watch from behind the fence.”
The Government is scheduled to review its Covid-19 alert levels before Sunday, though Bowden was not optimistic about a downgrade.
“I’m not sure how much hope I hold out for that based on what’s happening in Auckland,” he said.
