Juan Bernabé, the former falconer of Lazio known for handling the club’s iconic eagle mascot, Olimpia, has found himself at the centre of a scandal that led to his dismissal. Bernabé was terminated after posting explicit images and videos on social media related to his recent penile implant surgery. The incident has sparked widespread controversy and criticism, both from the club and its supporters.
The Scandal and Its Fallout
Bernabé, who had been with Lazio for over a decade, shared the content on his social media accounts, claiming it was intended as an educational and scientific endeavour rather than anything inappropriate. Before undergoing the surgery, Bernabé invited followers to “witness the operation,” describing it as an informative experience rather than something obscene. However, the explicit nature of the images caused outrage among Lazio fans and the club’s management.
The club swiftly responded by terminating Bernabé’s contract, citing a breach of their ethical code. In an official statement, Lazio expressed their shock at his actions and emphasized that such behavior was incompatible with the values of the club. As a result, Olimpia, the eagle mascot that has become a symbol for Lazio fans, will no longer appear at home matches until a new falconer is appointed.
Bernabé’s Apology and Current Situation
Speaking to Italian media after his dismissal, Bernabé offered an apology for his actions. “I deeply regret what happened,” he said. “I want to apologize to parents and children who may have been affected by this. My intention was never to offend but to share something I thought could be educational.” He acknowledged that his decision was misguided and expressed his willingness to take responsibility for the fallout.
Despite being dismissed, Bernabé remains at Lazio’s training facility in Formello as he recovers from surgery. He stated that his focus is now on his health and overcoming this challenging period in his life. “If President Lotito doesn’t want me here, I will leave,” he added. “But first, I need to recover fully.”
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time Bernabé has been embroiled in controversy. In 2021, he was briefly suspended after being filmed performing a fascist salute during a match while holding Olimpia. The gesture, accompanied by chants praising Benito Mussolini, drew widespread condemnation but did not result in his dismissal at the time.
Lazio’s association with far-right elements has long been a contentious issue in Italian football. The club’s hardcore fanbase has often been linked to extremist ideologies, and incidents like these only add fuel to the fire.
