The man behind South Sydney's beloved mascot, Reggie Rabbit, issued a public apology for pushing a nine-year-old Cronulla Sharks fan during a recent NRL match.
Charlie Gallico, 81, who has worn the Reggie Rabbit costume for more than two decades, initially defended his actions, claiming he did not believe he had done anything wrong.
However, after reviewing footage of the incident, Gallico acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret. The incident took place at Sharks Stadium during the Rabbitohs’ clash with Cronulla on Saturday.
While moving through the players’ tunnel, Gallico was caught on video shoving young Benji Agius, who had reportedly called the mascot over before making contact. Following a complaint from the child's mother, Caroline Agius, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the NRL Integrity Unit launched an investigation into the matter.
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'I should never have pushed Benji'
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gallico apologised to Benji and his family, admitting his behaviour was inappropriate.
“My actions were wrong. I should never have pushed Benji, or any child for that matter, the way I did on Saturday,” Gallico said. “I hope they can forgive me and accept my apology, and I hope he continues to love rugby league and keeps enjoying going to the football on the weekends.”
The veteran mascot further expressed remorse for the negative impact his actions had on the club. “I love this club and would not mean to do anything to hurt the club, but unfortunately, this time my actions have hurt the club,” he said. “Nothing like this will ever happen again.”
Despite the incident, Gallico received support from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a long-time Rabbitohs fan and former board member of the club.
“Charlie is a very gentle person … he has been doing it for a long time and he would never try to hurt anyone,” Albanese told Channel 10. “From time to time … [he] has been pushed, whacked, because people don’t realise that there is an 81-year-old fellow in there as a mascot.