In brief
In a surprising turn of events, the Italian football club Lazio has severed ties with Juan Bernabe, the long-time handler of their eagle mascot, Olimpia. The decision comes after Bernabe shared explicit videos of his prosthetic penis on social media, a move that has left the club "shocked." Bernabe had been a fixture at Lazio home matches since the 2010-11 season, flying Olimpia over the Stadio Olimpico before games.
The club has expressed their commitment to upholding its values, stating that it was "impossible to associate our historical symbol with such an individual." In addressing the situation, Lazio recognized the potential disappointment fans may face in the absence of the eagle at forthcoming matches. Defending his actions, Bernabe claimed he aimed to raise awareness regarding his surgical procedure, insisting that his background in an open-minded, naturist family led him to view nudity as natural. His past is not without controversy, as he was previously suspended in 2021 for performing a fascist salute during a match against Inter Milan, claiming admiration for historical figures associated with fascism.As the situation unfolds, it highlights significant discourse on precedent, propriety, and the complexities of public figures in the world of sports.
