Anthony Albanese defends Rabbitohs mascot Charlie Gallico after allegations he pushed a nine-year-old

Anthony Albanese has defended Rabbitohs mascot Charlie Gallico who is accused of pushing a nine-year-old fan, describing the long-time employee as a “lovely fellow” and a “very gentle person”. The altercation between the young Sharks fan Benji and 81-year-old Mr Gallico, who was in the Reggie the Rabbit costume, occurred during the Rabbitohs’ bruising 27-12 defeat at the hands of the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday. Footage from the match shows the child running attempting to high five the mascot, however the boy is then allegedly pushed near his face. The South Sydney team has confirmed it is investigating the incident, and said the child’s mother has been told of the probe. Charlie told Ten News that he was sorry, while giving his version of the incident. “He called me over, and I went over like I normally do to make the kids happy, and he grabbed me,” Charlie said. “It’s not in my nature to to do that to people.” The man behind the Rabbitohs mascot has broken his silence after he allegedly pushed a nine-year-old boy at a game. Speaking from Melbourne on Monday, the Prime Minister defended Mr Hallico, who he first met while serving on the NRL club’s board of directors in the 90s. “I don’t want to talk about people’s height but it’s a fact that he’s a very small man,” he said. “He’s 81 years old. He’s been doing it for a long time, he would never try to hurt anyone. “I’m sure if there has been inappropriate behaviour, he’d be the first to apologise but he’s a lovely fellow.” The boy’s mother Caroline Agius told news.com.au her son had tried to “get a high-five but was pushed away instead”. “He was then told off by a security guard for getting too close or for touching him, from what Benji said,” Ms Agius said. “Benji apparently touched the mascot and was told off by the security guard.” Ms Agius said she was in “a bit of a shock” following the incident. “It shouldn’t happen, especially to a child from a grown man,” she said. “It’s not what you expect at all. You wouldn’t expect that at a family friendly event at all.” Mr Albanese also referenced an incident in 2021 when Mr Gallico was pushed over during a Good Friday clash with the Bulldogs. “From time to time, I know that he (as) the mascot has been pushed (and) whacked, because people don’t realise that there’s an 81-year-old fellow in there,” Mr Albanese said. “I’ve seen nine-year-olds who are bigger than Charlie.” Mr Gallico, a former panelbeater and lifelong Rabbitohs fan, has donned on bunny suit since 2002, after the club re-entered the League after the team was cut from the competition.