Reggie the Rabbit issues apology over child shove

The man behind the Reggie the Rabbit mascot says a child he pushed during a sideline incident at Shark Park did nothing wrong and asked for forgiveness after issuing an unqualified apology.

Charlie Gallico, who has worn the mascot outfit since South Sydney were readmitted into the NRL competition in 2002, on Tuesday issued an apology to the young boy, Benji Agius.

Gallico, 81, was investigated by the club and NRL after a video on social media showed him shoving the nine-year-old, who stumbled backwards, following the Rabbitohs’ loss to the Sharks on Saturday.

“I would like to apologise to young Benji and his parents,” Mr Gallico said in a statement on Tuesday.

“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 club said that it had spoken to the boy’s mother, Caroline Agius, after receiving a complaint.

She previously told news.com.au that her son had gone to the footy with mates and was waiting to give Reggie a high five when he was pushed.

Prime Minister and Rabbitohs tragic Anthony Albanese defended the retired panel beater on Monday, saying he “wouldn’t have hurt anyone by intention”.

On Monday, Gallico told Nine News that the boy had “grabbed me” and “he didn’t go for a high five”.

However Gallico on Tuesday backtracked on that statement and issued an apology after watching the video.

“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,” he said.

“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.”