'I was in the wrong': Charlie Gallico - aka Reggie Rabbit - apologises over Shark Park altercation
Updated . First published
South Sydney's official mascot - Reggie Rabbit - has apologised to a young fan after an altercation in the side's round three clash with Cronulla.
Charlie Gallico landed in hot water after the fixture at Shark Park after it was alleged he pushed nine-year old Sharks fan Benji Agius, with video footage surfacing on social media.
Both clubs confirmed they were investigating the incident on Sunday, before the 81-year-old spoke to media on Monday evening.
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"I'm sorry if I did something wrong," Gallico told reporters.
"It's my club and I love it. This job means a lot to me, I've been doing it a long time.
Charlie Gallico speaks out after his incident at Shark Park. Nine/Tik Tok
After a brief investigation, Souths released a statement on Tuesday, with their long-time mascot taking full responsibility for his actions.
"I would like to apologise to young Benji and his parents," Gallico said.
"My actions were wrong. I should never have pushed Benji, or any child for that matter, the way I did. I love children and do a lot of work for charity, in the community and 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.
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"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.
"I can't apologise enough to Benji and his family for what happened.
"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. I will do everything I can to represent South Sydney in the best way possible from now on. Nothing like this will ever happen again.
"Once again, I know what I did was wrong and I apologise for my actions."
South Sydney's mascot Reggie The Rabbit. Getty
It does not appear at this stage that the club or Gallico will cop any form of punishment for the incident.
Rabbitohs fan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in on the drama and defended Gallico's character.
"Charlie is a very gentle person," he said
"He's been doing it for a long time, he would never try to hurt anyone."
