Lazio’s iconic eagle handler, Juan Bernabé, has found himself in the midst of a major scandal after sharing explicit photos and videos of his penile prosthesis surgery on social media. The 56-year-old, who has been a fixture at the Italian football club’s home matches for over a decade, has now been fired by Lazio following this controversial online post. The decision has rocked the sports world and left fans stunned, as Bernabé’s relationship with the club and its beloved eagle, Olimpia, has come to an abrupt end.
The Controversial Post
Juan Bernabé, a father of two, has been flying Olimpia, Lazio’s golden eagle, during the club’s home games at the Stadio Olimpico for years. His role as the handler of this iconic bird made him an integral part of Lazio’s matchday experience. However, the club’s relationship with Bernabé has soured after he posted explicit content of his recent surgery to install a penile prosthesis.
On January 11, Bernabé underwent the procedure at Rome’s Clinica Nuova Villa Claudia, conducted by urologist and andrologist Gabriele Antonini, who is also part of Lazio’s medical staff. Bernabé had lost a testicle in an accident over three decades ago and chose to undergo the surgery to address a vascular issue that had impacted his sexual health. Despite claiming he had no sexual problems before the operation, Bernabé felt it was important to undergo the procedure to avoid relying on medication and to improve his quality of life.
The falconer later shared explicit photos and videos of the results of the surgery, which caused an uproar when they circulated online. In a series of interviews, Bernabé defended his actions, stating that he viewed the procedure as a normal medical procedure and that he did not regret sharing the images. He described nudity as a natural and healthy part of life, citing his upbringing in a naturist family. He went on to encourage other men to consider similar procedures, especially if they faced challenges with their sexual health.
Lazio’s Decision to Fire Bernabé
Lazio quickly moved to sever ties with Bernabé, issuing an official statement expressing shock at his actions. The club confirmed that it had terminated all relationships with Bernabé “with immediate effect” due to the seriousness of his behavior. In the statement, Lazio expressed its disappointment, acknowledging the importance of Olimpia the eagle to the club and its fans.
The club stated, “It is not possible to be associated with a person who, with his initiative, has made the continuation of the relationship inadmissible.” The statement continued by acknowledging the sadness and disappointment that fans would feel in the absence of the eagle at future home matches, but reaffirmed that the club’s values took precedence.
The loss of Bernabé, known as the “father” of Olimpia, marks a significant change for Lazio, and fans will no longer see the iconic eagle soaring over the Stadio Olimpico in his care. Lazio fans, who have long celebrated their eagle as a symbol of their club’s identity, will undoubtedly miss the spectacle that Bernabé’s presence brought to their matchdays.
A History of Controversy
This isn’t the first time Bernabé has found himself in hot water. Back in 2021, the falconer was suspended after being caught on camera performing a Roman salute, a gesture associated with fascism, while also making remarks in praise of Benito Mussolini. This incident, which drew condemnation from various quarters, saw Bernabé temporarily suspended from his role with Lazio. Bernabé defended the salute, stating that he was proud of his far-right political views, but the controversy only added to his complex and often divisive public persona.
Now, with the latest scandal surrounding his explicit posts, Lazio has had enough. The club’s swift action to terminate his contract reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to maintain the integrity of their brand.
Bernabé’s Defense
Despite the backlash, Bernabé has remained defiant. In an interview with Radio 24, he explained that he shared the images to inform his followers about his surgery, emphasizing that he believed there was nothing wrong with showing the medical procedure. He described his openness about the surgery as part of his belief in normalizing discussions around sexuality and men’s health.
He also responded to criticism by asserting that sexuality is a natural and essential part of life. Bernabé explained, “Sexuality is the well-being of life, I will never have to take drugs of any kind again.” He further stated that he did not regret posting the images because, for him, the procedure was about improving his sexual health and overall well-being.
Moving Forward
The decision to fire Bernabé has undoubtedly shaken Lazio fans and stirred up debate around the intersection of personal life and professional conduct. While some may sympathize with Bernabé’s openness about his health journey, Lazio has made it clear that such behavior is not in line with the values and image the club wishes to uphold.
As for Bernabé, his career with Lazio has come to a swift and surprising end, and the future remains uncertain. Despite his controversies, there’s no denying that he was a significant figure in Lazio’s matchday traditions, and his absence will be felt by many.
The firing of Juan Bernabé is a reminder that actions in the digital age can have far-reaching consequences, especially when personal behavior crosses into public spaces. For now, Lazio will move forward without its beloved falconer, and fans will have to adjust to a new chapter in the club’s storied history.