Lazio’s long-time falconer, Juan Bernabe, is making headlines for a reason no one could have predicted. After over a decade of handling the club’s eagle, Olimpia, in pre-game shows at the Stadio Olimpico, Bernabe’s recent social media post has led to his unexpected dismissal.
The controversial image, posted on his private Instagram account, shows Bernabe proudly displaying a prosthetic penis he had recently fitted. However, the situation escalated further due to his provocative comments, leading Lazio to sever all ties with him.
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The Post That Caused a Stir
For the past ten years, Juan Bernabe has been a well-known figure in Lazio’s match-day ceremonies, handling the majestic eagle, Olimpia, in front of thousands of fans. However, his latest social media post had little to do with his feathered companion. The 56-year-old Spaniard shared a photo from his hospital bed after undergoing a surgical procedure at the Nuova Villa Claudia clinic in Rome. Alongside his surgeon, urologist Gabriele Antonini, Bernabe smiled for the camera with both men giving a thumbs-up.
What caught the public’s attention, however, was not just the smiling faces but what lay beneath the bedsheet—Bernabe had undergone surgery to fit a prosthetic penis. He later explained that the procedure wasn’t aimed at treating erectile dysfunction but rather to enhance his sexual performance. Bernabe clarified that his desire was to “recover the sexual prowess of his youth.”
“I had the surgery to increase my sexual performance,” Bernabe admitted on a radio show, La Zanzara. “Because I am very active… My erection is normal but with this device, I press a button that allows me to be able to perfectly control both the erection and duration.” His unorthodox decision to post about the procedure didn’t seem to faze him. Bernabe expressed that it was a private matter and that he had never intended for the image to go viral.
The Backlash and Bernabe’s Defiance
Despite Bernabe’s insistence that the photo was harmless and private, the image quickly made its way into the public domain. His followers, he argued, were responsible for screengrabbing and spreading the post beyond its intended circle. When asked about whether he regretted sharing the image, Bernabe’s response was adamant.
“Absolutely not,” he told Cruciani. “I’ve never regretted anything, let alone doing something that has a medical purpose. For me, nudity is normal. I grew up in an open-minded family of naturists. I don’t understand what’s pornographic about the photo.”
His explanation, however, did little to quell the growing controversy. Bernabe’s public comments, especially about nudity and openness, did not sit well with many, particularly those connected to Lazio. Adding fuel to the fire, Bernabe’s political views, including his past admiration for the far-right Spanish party Vox and controversial remarks about Benito Mussolini, raised eyebrows among fans and players alike.
Lazio’s Response: A Swift Separation
Lazio was quick to distance itself from Bernabe’s actions. The club released a statement expressing their “astonishment” over the images and accompanying comments. Lazio made it clear that his behavior had crossed a line, deeming it “serious” enough to end their relationship with him immediately.
“The photographic and video images of Bernabe and the comments that accompanied them left the club with no option,” Lazio said in their statement. “Given the seriousness of his behavior, we have severed with immediate effect all relations with him.”
The club’s swift decision to part ways with Bernabe shocked many. While the falconer’s actions might have seemed eccentric to some, Lazio clearly viewed the situation as one of integrity and professionalism. For a club like Lazio, which is deeply ingrained in its traditions and values, Bernabe’s behavior was seen as a step too far.
The Bigger Picture: A Combination of Factors
While the prosthetic penis photo was the immediate catalyst for Bernabe’s sacking, it’s important to understand the context. Bernabe’s previous comments about Mussolini and his association with far-right political ideologies had already made some Lazio supporters uneasy. The club, which has a section of its fanbase known for nostalgic views of Italy’s fascist past, found itself in a difficult position. Bernabe’s controversial personal beliefs were a point of contention, especially when considering the diverse and modern values that the club was trying to project.
Furthermore, Lazio’s decision to part ways with Bernabe also reflects broader social and cultural sensitivities in sports. As social media has grown in influence, clubs and organizations have become more vigilant about their public image. A seemingly harmless post could spiral into a public relations disaster, something that Lazio clearly wanted to avoid.
A Controversial End to an Era
Juan Bernabe’s departure from Lazio marks an unusual and bizarre chapter in the club’s history. From his long-standing role as the club’s falconer to the controversial Instagram post, Bernabe’s connection with Lazio will now be remembered for reasons other than his work with Olimpia.
As the saga unfolded, it was clear that Bernabe’s personal choices, while legal, did not align with the club’s standards. In the end, the button Bernabe pressed to control his prosthetic device ended up signaling his downfall rather than an enhancement of his performance at Lazio.
FAQs
Why was Lazio’s falconer, Juan Bernabe, sacked?
Lazio severed ties with Juan Bernabe after he posted a controversial photo of himself undergoing surgery for a prosthetic penis on his private Instagram account. The club cited the seriousness of his behavior as the reason for the dismissal.
What did Juan Bernabe say about his prosthetic penis surgery?
Bernabe explained that he underwent the procedure to enhance his sexual performance, not for medical reasons like erectile dysfunction. He emphasized that the device allowed him to control both erection and duration.
What was Lazio’s official response to Bernabe’s actions?
Lazio stated that they were “astonished” by the images and comments Bernabe shared on social media. The club ended all relations with him, citing the seriousness of his behavior and the damage it could cause to their image.
How did Juan Bernabe defend his social media post?
Bernabe defended his post, stating that it was shared on a private account and did not expect it to go viral. He also mentioned that nudity was normal for him, as he was raised in an open-minded, naturist family.
What are the implications of this incident for Lazio?
This incident highlights the growing importance of social media behavior and public image for sports organizations. Lazio’s swift decision to part ways with Bernabe reflects their desire to maintain professionalism and avoid controversial situations.
