Lazio has terminated the contract of Juan Bernabe, the handler of their eagle mascot Olympia, after the 56-year-old Spaniard posted explicit content on social media. Bernabe, a fixture at Lazio home matches since the 2010-11 season, shared videos and pictures of his erect penis following surgery to implant a penile prosthesis aimed at improving his sexual performance.
The Serie A club expressed shock and dismay over the incident, issuing a statement to confirm that it had “terminated, with immediate effect” its relationship with Bernabe. Lazio emphasized the seriousness of his actions, stating that his conduct made continuing the partnership impossible.
“We, and the historic symbol of the eagle, can no longer be associated with a person who with his behaviour has made the continuation of any relationship impossible,” the club stated. Lazio further revealed that, as a result of Bernabe’s dismissal, Olympia the eagle would not appear at future home matches, including the upcoming Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad on 23 January.
In an interview with radio station Radio24, Bernabe defended his actions, asserting that nudity was normal for him due to his upbringing in a naturist family.
“Nudity is normal, I grew up in an open-minded, naturist family,” Bernabe remarked.
However, Bernabe’s behavior had raised controversy before. In 2021, Lazio suspended him after he performed a fascist salute and chanted “Duce, Duce” while holding the eagle mascot at a match against Inter Milan. Bernabe later confirmed his support for the far-right Spanish political party Vox and expressed pride in his admiration for historical fascist figures such as Benito Mussolini and Francisco Franco.
“I did it and I don’t regret it because I admire Mussolini, he did great things for Italy as Franco did for Spain,” Bernabe told Italian newspaper Il Messaggero after the incident. “I admire both of them and I’m proud of it.”
Quote Note:
Lazio’s decision to part ways with Bernabe reflects their stance on unacceptable behavior, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the integrity of the club and its traditions, including the historic significance of the eagle mascot.
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