Lazio Fires Falconer Juan Bernabe After Controversial Social Media Posts
Lazio, the Serie A club, has recently made headlines for its decision to sever ties with its long-time falconer, Juan Bernabe. For over a decade, Bernabe was an integral part of Lazio's pre-match entertainment, handling Olimpia, the club's golden eagle, during home games. However, this unique tradition came to an abrupt end after Bernabe shared controversial content on social media that ultimately led to his dismissal.
Bernabe, who had been with the club since 2010, sparked widespread shock and outrage after posting explicit images of his penile prosthesis surgery on social media. The falconer, who had undergone the procedure in Rome for medical reasons, shared photos of his post-operative condition, including close-up shots of his genitalia. These images quickly went viral, causing a storm of controversy. While Bernabe defended his actions by claiming that the surgery was a personal health matter and not intended for public spectacle, the club took a firm stance, stating that his behavior was incompatible with their values.
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Lazio issued a statement expressing their disappointment and confirming that they had terminated all ties with Bernabe. The club emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that it could no longer be associated with someone whose actions had made the continuation of their relationship with the falconer "inadmissible." While the loss of Olimpia's presence at future home matches would undoubtedly disappoint fans, Lazio felt it was necessary to take swift action in light of the controversy.
Interestingly, this was not the first time that Bernabe found himself in hot water. Back in 2021, he was suspended by Lazio after being caught on camera performing a fascist salute and singing songs in praise of Benito Mussolini, the infamous Italian dictator. These actions further complicated his relationship with the club, given Lazio's historical ties to far-right politics, which have previously sparked issues with supporters displaying fascist symbols.
Bernabe, a father of two, responded defiantly to the backlash, insisting that his surgery was simply a solution to a health issue rather than an attempt to make a statement. He argued that he had no regrets about sharing his personal experience, emphasizing that it was a medical procedure aimed at improving his sexual health. He even went as far as to suggest that men should consider such surgeries to enhance their well-being. Despite his justification, his actions ultimately led to his ousting from the club.
As Lazio moves forward, fans will undoubtedly miss the tradition of seeing Olimpia soar across the Stadio Olimpico before matches. However, the club's decision to part ways with Bernabe highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and adhering to values that align with the club's image.
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