Lazio have fired Juan Bernabé, a falconer responsible for handling the Italian Serie A club’s eagle mascot, after he shared photos and videos of his penile implant on social media.

Bernabé, and Olimpia the eagle in particular, have become huge fan favorites at Stadio Olimpico in Rome in recent years. The Spaniard has been in charge of sending the club mascot flying around the stadium before kickoff in Lazio’s home games since 2010, but will do so no longer following his X-rated antics.

Lazio “shocked” by falconer penis images

In a statement, Lazio bosses said they were “shocked to see the photographic and video images of Mr. Juan Bernabé and to read the accompanying statements” and announced they had “interrupted, with immediate effect, all relations with this individual”.

The club also confirmed Olimpia would also be relieved of its duties as club mascot (not that it is believed the eagle has done anything wrong…).

Speaking to Italian radio station Radio24, Bernabé defended his actions: “Nudity is normal, I grew up in an open-minded, naturist family. The operation does not make me a porn star, I had a health issue”.

He did, though, later appear to contradict himself somewhat: “I had the surgery to increase my sexual performance because I am very active. I would advise people to have this procedure because previously I relied daily on pills to increase my sexual potency”.

The 56-year-old also claimed that, despite his firing, Lazio president Claudio Lotito “is not upset about the photos, he is a man too”.

Falconer Bernabé “proud” of fascist leader Mussolini

Bernabé was previously suspended by Lazio in 2021 after being filmed performing a fascist salute and chanting “dulce, duce,” which translated to “leader, leader” and is associated with fascist ex-Italian leader Benito Mussolini.

“I did it and I don’t regret it because I admire Mussolini, he did great things for Italy, as Franco did for Spain,” said Bernabé, explaining his actions. “I admire both of them and I’m proud of it.”