Lazio Terminates Contract with Falconer Over Explicit Social Media Posts

Italian football club Lazio has terminated its contract with Juan Bernabé, the falconer responsible for their eagle mascot, Olimpia, after he shared explicit images on social media. Bernabé, who had been with the club since 2010, posted photos and videos detailing his penile implant surgery, intended to enhance his sexual performance. The club expressed shock and stated that Bernabé's actions were incompatible with their values, making it impossible to continue their association. This decision means that fans will be deprived of Olimpia's traditional pre-match flights at the Stadio Olimpico,

Italian football club Lazio has terminated its contract with Juan Bernabé, the falconer responsible for their eagle mascot, Olimpia, after he shared explicit images on social media. Bernabé, who had been with the club since 2010, posted photos and videos detailing his penile implant surgery, intended to enhance his sexual performance. The club expressed shock and stated that Bernabé's actions were incompatible with their values, making it impossible to continue their association. This decision means that fans will be deprived of Olimpia's traditional pre-match flights at the Stadio Olimpico, a ritual cherished since its introduction. This incident is not Bernabé's first controversy. In 2021, he was suspended after being filmed performing a fascist salute and chanting in support of Benito Mussolini during a match. At the time, he openly expressed admiration for Mussolini and Spain's Francisco Franco, aligning himself with far-right ideologies. In response to the recent incident, Bernabé defended his decision to share the explicit content, stating that he grew up in an open-minded, naturist family and viewed nudity as normal. He emphasized the importance of his sexual health and denied any regrets about sharing the images. Lazio's swift action underscores the club's commitment to upholding its values and maintaining a professional image. The termination of Bernabé's contract reflects the seriousness with which the club views conduct that could tarnish its reputation.