The Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL clubs have opened investigations after beloved South Sydney mascot Charlie Gallico, better known as ‘Reggie The Rabbit’, was accused of punching a nine-year-old in the face during the Rabbitohs’ loss at Sharks Stadium on Saturday.
The investigation was launched after the mother of the child posted on social media claiming Gallico assaulted her son, who she said was in shock after the incident, and has since been in contact with Sharks officials, who alerted the Rabbitohs and NRL of the allegation.
Charlie Gallico has been Reggie the Rabbit for two decades.Credit: Getty
The mother said her son was reprimanded by a nearby security guard following the incident, and claimed he had done nothing that might provoke any sort of hostility from Gallico.
When contacted by the Herald on Sunday evening, Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta said he had been made aware of the situation, and was yet to be briefed on the details of the incident.
“The Sharks and Rabbitohs are working towards what’s happening, the NRL have been made aware, we are waiting for further advice as to what’s happened,” Mezzatesta said. “We’ll let the investigation take its course.”
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly confirmed the club was aware of the incident, and it was Gallico inside the mascot uniform on Saturday.
Gallico with Souths supporters in Las Vegas last year. Credit: Sunny Brar/SSRFC
“We are investigating what happened and will have no further comment to make until our investigation is complete,” a Rabbitohs spokesperson said in a statement. “We have reached out to the boy’s mother to let her know we will be investigating the incident.”
Gallico, 80, has donned the white suit of Reggie The Rabbit for more than two decades and is a beloved figure in NRL circles, often seen hopping around the sidelines of Rabbitohs matches, embracing players at full-time, and posing for photographs with supporters.
While in Las Vegas for the Rabbitohs’ opening-round clash last year, Gallico was roped into the wedding of two Souths supporters, who opted for Reggie rather than Elvis.
The NRL confirmed it was aware of the matter involving Gallico on Saturday, and was making further inquiries.
