Jan 14, (V7N) - Lazio Football Club has terminated its contract with falconer Juan Bernabe after he posted explicit content on social media, sparking widespread controversy. Bernabe, responsible for handling Lazio’s eagle mascot, Olimpia, since the 2010/11 season, shared videos and images following a surgical procedure to implant a penile prosthesis.

The Serie A club expressed shock over Bernabe's actions, citing the seriousness of his behavior as grounds for immediate dismissal. Lazio stated that the incident has made any continued association with Bernabe impossible, resulting in Olimpia’s absence from upcoming home games, including their Europa League match against Real Sociedad on January 23.

Bernabe defended his posts by referencing his upbringing in a naturist family, claiming that nudity is natural. However, this incident adds to his history of controversy. In 2021, he was suspended for performing a fascist salute at a match against Inter Milan, accompanied by chants of "Duce, Duce" in admiration of Benito Mussolini. Bernabe openly supports Spain's far-right Vox party and has previously expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders Mussolini and Franco.

Lazio's decision reflects an effort to distance the club from extremist affiliations, a sensitive issue given the long-standing connection between some of its hardcore supporters and far-right ideologies dating back to the 1970s.

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