Lazio sack mascot handler after sharing videos about his prosthetic penis
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Lazio have sacked a man responsible for handling the club's eagle mascot after being left 'shocked' by videos he shared of his own prosthetic penis. Juan Bernabe has been in charge of the eagle, named Olimpia, since the 2010/2011 season. He flies the bird over the club's Stadio Olimpico ground, becoming a fan favourite with Lazio sitting fourth in the Serie A table.
The 56-year-old was previously suspended by the club in 2021 for performing a fascist salute at the end of a match against Inter Milan. Bernabe was filmed making the salute and chanting "duce, duce", which translates as "leader, leader" and is commonly associated with former fascist Italian leader Benito Mussolini.
While he returned to his job after that suspension, Bernabe has now been permanently let go by Lazio. He recently underwent medical treatment for a penile implant and revealed the results to followers on social media with a series of videos. THE FA CUP GIANT KILLERS: Get your special edition magazine celebrating some of the game's greatest-ever upsets.
The images shocked clubs chiefs, who acted quickly to end his employment. Lazio cited the 'seriousness' of his behaviour as they revealed the eagle mascot will not be seen at their next home game. A club statement read: "SS Lazio Spa, shocked to see the photographic and video images of Mr. Juan Bernabè and to read the statements that accompanied them, announces that it has interrupted, with immediate effect, all relations with this individual, given the seriousness of his behaviour.
