In brief
Lazio’s long-term falconer, Juan Bernabe, has been dismissed from his role after sharing explicit videos featuring his prosthetic penis on his private social media. The Serie A club expressed shock and clarified that the decision was made to disassociate from someone who tarnished their eagle mascot's image.
Amidst the controversy, Bernabe defended his actions as a means to raise awareness about his surgery, claiming that nudity is a cultural norm in his upbringing. He has been a prominent figure in Lazio home matches since the 2010-11 season, but his past controversies, including making a fascist salute during a match in 2021, likely contributed to the club's decision. Lazio acknowledged the emotional impact on fans due to the mascot's absence but reiterated their choice to uphold their values.Bernabe’s dismissal raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the implications of their actions on their associations. The incident highlights the intersection of personal expression and professional conduct in sports, leaving fans and observers to contemplate the nature of representation within their beloved teams. Lazio’s eagle mascot, Olimpia, remains a symbol of pride for the supporters, but following this recent episode, the club emphasizes they cannot link its legacy with an individual whose actions contradict their standards.
