Lazio has officially sacked their long-time falconer, Juan Bernabe, after he shared videos and photos of his prosthetic penis surgery on social media.
Bernabe, who had been with the Serie A club since 2010, was in charge of the club’s famous eagle mascot, which has been a fixture during home matches at the Stadio Olimpico. However, his recent actions have sparked controversy. The 56-year-old underwent the procedure, he claimed, for medical reasons but then shared images and videos of it online.
The club was left stunned by Bernabe’s conduct, leading them to immediately terminate their professional relationship with him. Lazio issued a statement, saying:
“SS Lazio Spa, shocked to see the photographic and video images of Mr. Juan Bernabe and to read the statements that accompanied them, announces that it has interrupted, with immediate effect, all relations with this individual, given the seriousness of his behaviour.
“The Company is aware of the pain, shared by all, that the loss of the eagle in the next home games will cause to the fans, but believes that it is not possible to be associated, all of us, and especially with the historical symbol of the eagle, with a subject that, with its initiative, has made the continuation of the relationship inadmissible.”
In response to his sacking, Bernabe stated: “The operation does not make me a porn star; I had a health issue. As for the president? He is not upset about the photos, he is a man too.”
Previously, Bernabe explained his decision to post the videos: “I put the video on my private profile, so it’s a private thing. If people then circulate it, what can I do? My conscience is clear; I published it only to let people know about the surgery. I’ve never regretted anything, let alone doing it for something that has a medical purpose.”
The controversy surrounding his actions has left Lazio with no choice but to sever ties, leaving fans questioning what will become of their beloved eagle during upcoming matches.
