Lazio sacks eagle handler over prosthetic penis videos shared on social media
- Juan Bernabe was dismissed by Lazio after sharing explicit images on social media.
- The club stated it was shocked by Bernabe's behavior, especially in the context of his past controversies.
- Lazio acknowledged fans would be disappointed by the eagle's absence, but prioritized the club's reputation.
In Italy, Serie A football club Lazio announced the dismissal of their falconer, Juan Bernabe, on January 13, 2025. Bernabe, who had been with the club since the 2010/11 season and was responsible for handling the club’s eagle mascot, made headlines after he posted videos and images of his erect penis on social media. The club expressed their shock and disapproval of his actions, indicating that they viewed his behavior as serious and unacceptable. This incident followed previous controversies surrounding Bernabe, including a suspension in 2021 for performing a fascist salute during a match, showcasing a pattern of troubling conduct that has marred his time with Lazio. The club acknowledged the disappointment this would cause fans who cherished the symbolic presence of the eagle at matches but stressed that they could no longer associate their historical symbol with Bernabe. As a consequence of the club's decision, fans would see a noticeable absence of the eagle, Olimpia, from upcoming home games, including a notable match against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. The situation has highlighted the delicate balance between personal freedom and professional conduct, especially in the context of public figures and sports organizations. Through this incident, Lazio reinforced its stance on maintaining certain standards of behavior associated with its brand, seeking to distance itself from individuals whose actions could threaten its reputation.