The man inside the mascot costume of South Sydney apologized for pressing a nine -year -old Sharks fan at the weekend.
Before the defeat of the Rabbitoh against Cronulla on Saturday, the pet was pushed to a young fan, named Reggie Rabbit, while leaving the field.
Charlie Gallico, who has been inside the costume for more than two decades, said Monday that the fanatic called him, then grabbed him before the thrust.
Gallico, 81, told Channel 10 that he did not believe he did anything bad, but on Tuesday he issued a public apology after reviewing his images pushing Benji Agius.
“My actions were incorrect. I should never have pressed Benji, or any child in the case, as I did on Saturday,” Gallico said in a Souths statement on Tuesday.
“I love children and I work hard for charity, in the community and in Junior football. I realize that Reggie Rabbit is a child character and my actions were not correct.
“After going through the video, now I realize that I was wrong. I realize that Benji did nothing wrong and did not deserve to be pushed, and assumed all the responsibility of what I did.
“I hope you can forgive me and accept my apologies, and I hope you continue loving the rugby league and continue enjoying going to football on weekends.
“I can’t apologize enough to Benji and his family for what happened.”
The club said he had spoken with Benji’s parents, sharks, events security and the NRL integrity unit about the incident.
Gallico was defended by Prime Minister and former member of the Rabbitohs Board, Anthony Albanese, on Monday, although it was not clear if he had seen the video.
“Charlie is a very gentle person … He has been doing it for a long time and would never try to hurt anyone,” he said.
“I am sure that if there has been inappropriate behavior, he would be the first to apologize.”
Gallico said his actions had damaged the club and promised “nothing like this will happen again.”
