Lazio’s recent off-field controversy has left fans and officials reeling, after the club parted ways with falcon handler Juan Bernabe.

The 56-year-old had been in charge of controlling the team’s eagle mascot, a fixture at every home game, but his recent actions have made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Shocking Social Media Post

Bernabe’s dismissal came after he posted graphic images of his new prosthetic penis on social media.

His actions shocked the football world, particularly given his previous history with the club.

The falcon handler had been hired by Lazio again after a previous dismissal in 2021 for making a fascist salute, a decision that now seems even more controversial in light of his recent behavior.

Lazio Responds to the Incident

In an official statement, Lazio expressed its shock and disappointment, confirming that it had immediately severed ties with Bernabe.

The club acknowledged that fans would likely miss the eagle mascot at upcoming home matches but emphasized that such behavior was incompatible with Lazio’s values.

“It is not possible for everyone, especially with the historic symbol of the eagle, to be associated with a person who, with his initiative, made the continuation of the relationship inadmissible,” the statement read.

Bernabe Defends His Actions

Bernabe later appeared on Spanish radio station ‘La Zanzara’ to explain his side of the story.

According to him, the surgery was necessary to improve his sexual performance, as he described himself as a very active man.

“I did it to perform like when I was young,” he said, emphasizing his desire for enhanced control over his sexual function.

Despite the backlash, Bernabe defended his decision to post the photos, claiming that nudity was normal for him due to his naturist upbringing.

A History of Controversy

This incident is not the first time Bernabe has found himself at the center of controversy.

In 2021, he was fired for making a fascist salute during a match, only to be reinstated later.

At the time, he defended his actions, stating his admiration for Mussolini and his right-wing beliefs.

These controversial statements only added to the club’s decision to part ways with him again.

Further Controversy Surrounds Lazio

Lazio and its players have found themselves in the spotlight for other controversial reasons as well.

In December, the club was embroiled in scandal after fans performed fascist salutes during a Serie B match involving Benito Mussolini’s great-grandson, Romano Floriani Mussolini, who plays for Lazio on loan.

These actions have sparked further debates about Lazio’s association with right-wing ideologies.

Lazio now faces the challenge of distancing itself from the growing number of controversies surrounding its staff and players.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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