Serie A giants Lazio have announced they will reintroduce an eagle mascot, a year after the falconer was sacked for posting a photo of his penis implant on the internet. The Italian club shared a photo of the bird on social media with a message that simply read: “Introducing our new Eagle.”
Replies to their posts were flooded with comments referencing former club falconer Juan Bernabe, who was fired from his position after sharing images and videos of his prosthetic penis. He had been flying the eagle, previously named Olimpia, over the Stadio Olimpico before games for 14 years.
Lazio, whose coat of arms features an eagle, terminated Bernabe’s contract after he was warned that he had shared an X-rated image of himself after undergoing implant surgery.
The team was “shocked” and said Bernabe was fired “with immediate effect” in January. Lazio added: “We share the pain that the loss of the eagle will cause for our fans at upcoming home matches,” adding: “It is impossible to associate our historical symbol with such a figure.”
Bernard told Radio 24 he was just trying to spread awareness about the procedure and defended his decision to publish the photos, saying: “Nudity is normal and I grew up in an open-minded, naturist family.”
Lazio have had a mixed record at home since Bernabe stopped Mewase Olympia from flying over the ground, winning six, drawing five and losing four since then.
Some superstitious supporters may be happy that Lazio have brought back their eagle mascot, but the new bird and falconer are still unknown.
However, although the eagle will not be seen in flight until 2026, Spanish media outlet Marca claims it will need to undergo training before the pre-match tradition can resume.
Bernabe, who previously played for Benfica and Ludogorets, was suspended by Lazio in 2021 for giving a fascist salute after a match against Inter Milan.
He was captured on camera saluting and chanting “Duce, Duce,” which means “leader, leader,” and is commonly associated with former fascist Italian leader Benito Mussolini.
“I did it and I don’t regret it, because I respect Mussolini. He did great things for Italy, like Franco did for Spain,” Bernabe said at the time.
