Lazio’s far-right falconer protests dismissal for sharing photos of penis implant
Lazio’s far-right falconer has reportedly barricaded himself in the Italian football club’s grounds Thursday, days after he was fired for posting photos online of his surgically enhanced penis.
Spaniard Juan Bernabé, who handled the team’s eagle mascot, was sacked by Lazio on Monday for sharing the images on his private social media accounts after undergoing surgery for a penile implant, which he said was to improve his sexual performance.
The Roman football club said in a statement it had terminated its relationship with the 56-year-old with immediate effect due to the “seriousness of his behaviour”.
“The club realises — and shares — the pain that the fans will feel at the loss of the eagle in the next home games, but believes that it is not possible to be associated … with a person who … has made the continuation of the relationship unacceptable,” it said.
Yet Bernabé has refused to accept his dismissal and has locked himself inside Lazio’s sports complex until he fully recovers from his surgery, according to reports in Italy.
Sources told Italian outlet Fanpage that Bernabé had repeatedly asked the club’s president for forgiveness and did not understand the outcry over his actions.
Bernabé gave an interview to controversial Italian radio show La Zanzara on Monday in which he said he felt “very proud” and “more masculine” being part of Lazio. He said he had no regrets about sharing the photos of his penis on his social media accounts.
Lazio already let go of Bernabè evvel in 2021 when he was filmed performing a fascist salute at the end of a match and chanting “Duce, Duce,” which was the name used to praise former fascist Italian leader Benito Mussolini.
“I admire him so much,” Bernabè said in the interview with La Zanzara.
One of two world-renowned clubs in the Italian capital, Lazio is known for its fans’ affiliation with the far right.
It is also the home club of Mussolini’s great-grandson, Romano, who plays on the right wing.
