ROME (AP) — Lazio has fired the man who manipulated the Italian soccer club’s eagle mascot after he posted photos and videos of his own prosthetic penis online.
Falconer Juan Bernabé shared the images on his private social media accounts after undergoing penile implant surgery, which he said was for non-medical reasons.
Bernabé also gave an interview to the controversial Italian radio show La Zanzara on Monday and explained the reasons why he underwent this procedure.
Bernabé added that he felt “very proud” and “more masculine” to be part of Lazio. The Serie A club clearly didn’t feel the same way as they fired the Spaniard shortly after.
“Shocked to see the photographic and video images of Mr. Juan Bernabè and to read the statements that accompanied them, Lazio announces that it has terminated, with immediate effect, all relations with this person, given the seriousness of his behavior,” the capital said. the club said in a statement.
“The club realizes – and shares – the pain that supporters will feel following the loss of the eagle during upcoming home matches, but believes that it is not possible to be associated… with a person who, his own initiative, made the continuation of the relationship unacceptable.
The eagle – a bird that symbolizes ancient Rome – traditionally flies over the Stadio Olimpico before home matches.
Bernabè said he had no regrets about sharing the images.
Lazio suspended Bernabè 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 the former Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini.
“I admire him so much,” Bernabè added in Monday’s radio interview.
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