The man inside South Sydney’s mascot suit has confessed that he was completely to blame for shoving a young fan in a shocking incident that was caught on video during the Rabbitohs’ match against Cronulla on Saturday.
Charlie Gallico, 81, has been entertaining fans as Reggie Rabbit for years, and received the backing of Anthony Albanese over the shocking turn of events, with the prime minister calling him a ‘lovely fellow’ who would ‘never try to hurt anyone’.
On Monday, Gallico claimed the nine-year-old boy, Benji, started the confrontation when he ‘grabbed me’ as the young Sharks fan waited near the players’ tunnel, hoping to get a high-five from the mascot.
But he gave a very different description of what happened in a statement released by Souths on Tuesday.
‘I would like to apologise to young Benji and his parents,’ Gallico said.
‘My actions were wrong. I should never have pushed Beniji, or any child for that matter, the way I did on Saturday.
Charlie Gallico, the man inside the Reggie Rabbit suit, has made a full confession and apology after shoving a nine-year-old boy at Souths’ match against Cronulla on Saturday
The 81-year-old mascot (pictured) at first said the young fan initiated the confrontation, but then backtracked in a statement released by the club on Tuesday
Pictured: The moment Gallico shoved the fan as he waited to high-five Reggie
‘I love children and do a lot of work for charity, in the community and in junior football.
‘I realise Reggie Rabbit is a children’s character and my actions were not right.
‘After going through the video I now realise I was in the wrong. I realise Benji did nothing wrong and didn’t deserve to be pushed, and I take full responsibility for what I did.
‘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 footy on weekends.
‘I can’t apologise enough to Benji and his family for what happened.’
Gallico went on to admit his outburst has hurt Souths and promised to improve his behaviour in future appearances for the team.
The Bunnies said they have investigated the incident, and have spoken to Benji’s parents, event security at the match, the Sharks and the NRL Integrity Unit.
The club did not state whether Gallico would be subject to any disciplinary action.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a staunch Souths fan, threw his support behind Gallico on Monday and described him as a ‘good fellow’
South Sydney said they have concluded their investigation into the incident but did not reveal whether Gallico would be subject to disciplinary action
In footage of the incident, Gallico appeared to be making his way down the tunnel after the game but is seen pausing for a moment before appearing to shove the young Cronulla fan.
A security guard was then seen intervening and briefly spoke to the young fan, while the mascot stood and watched their exchange.
Benji’s mother, Caroline Agius, told News Corp that her son was told off by the security guard for getting too close.
‘From what my son Benji has told me, he was with his mates lining up there and they could see Reggie Rabbit coming up,’ Agius explained.
‘And they were all like: “Let’s see if we can get a high-five”.
‘So Benji popped his hand out, as you can see in the video, and he went to get a high-five but was pushed away instead.
‘He was then told off by a security guard for getting too close or for touching him, from what Benji said.
‘Benji apparently touched the mascot and was told off by the security guard.
‘He’s all right. He was more in shock.
‘I’ve taken him to the police station this afternoon and they’ve told me they can’t do anything. They don’t see it as an assault.’
