Charlie Gallico will continue as Reggie Rabbit mascot after apologising for shoving young Sharks fan

Reggie the Rabbit lives another day. 81-year-old Charlie Gallico will continue his 22-year run as South Sydney’s infamous mascot after apologising for a sideline altercation with a young Sharks fan.

Reggie the Rabbit lives another day.

Charlie Gallico, the man inside South Sydney’s famous Reggie the Rabbit mascot suit since 2002, will be on hand to lead the Rabbitohs out on to Accor Stadium on Thursday night against the Panthers.

Gallico’s job as Reggie the Rabbit was under threat after the 81-year-old was investigated by the club for a sideline incident in last Saturday’s clash against Cronulla at Shark Park.

Footage of the incident went viral on social media showing Gallico, dressed in the Reggie the Rabbit suit, pushing young Sharks supporter Benji Agius.

Benji’s mother Caroline Agius has maintained her son was simply trying to get a high-five before he was shoved by Gallico.

The Rabbitohs interviewed Gallico on Monday afternoon as part of their investigation into the incident.

reggie rabbit push

In a statement through the club, Gallico expressed regret over the way he handled the situation at Shark Park and admitted he was “in the wrong” for shoving Benji.

“I would like to apologise to young Benji and his parents,” Mr Gallico said.

South Sydney Rabbitohs mascot, Charlie Gallico, has accepted full responsibility for his actions following a review of an incident that occurred at Sharks Stadium on Saturday 22 March 📄

READ MORE: https://t.co/SfZLNCMxKTpic.twitter.com/Qunxw3c9Z3

— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) March 25, 2025

“My actions were wrong. I should never have pushed Benji, or any child for that matter, the way I did on Saturday.

“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.”

The video of the incident was shared on social media by the boy’s mother, Caroline, who also contacted NSW Police to report the altercation.

Charlie Gallico will continue on as Reggie the Rabbit. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The Rabbitohs, as part of its investigations, have been in contact with the Agius family since the incident came to light.

The club has also been in contact with the Sharks and NRL’s integrity unit.

Gallico conceded his actions had hurt the South Sydney club and asked for forgiveness from the young Sharks fan.

“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.”

Originally published as Charlie Gallico will continue as Reggie Rabbit mascot after apologising for shoving young Sharks fan