Football mascot who showed off prosthetic penis finally evicted months after locking himself in ground

Wales Online

01-07-2025

Football mascot who showed off prosthetic penis finally evicted months after locking himself in ground
Juan Bernabe was sacked by Lazio in January after he shared explicit images of his prosthetic penis online, however he refused to vacate club's Formello complex in the months after the incident
Juan Bernabe has been evicted from Lazio's complex
(Image: Getty Images )
A former employee of Italian football club Lazio, who trained the team's Eagle mascot Olympia, has finally been officially removed from the club's premises following a prolonged disagreement that lasted six months.
Juan Bernabe was relieved of his duties at the start of the year after uploading lewd content onto his social media, featuring his prosthetic penis. His actions were met with severe disapproval from the Serie A giants, prompting them to let him go immediately.
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Despite being repeatedly asked to vacate the area, Bernabe remained steadfast, unwilling to budge until law enforcement stepped in. Bernabe was removed from the Formello training ground with a warrant after a judge signed off on it.
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This Saturday, the club had the following to say regarding the incident: "S.S. Lazio announces that, following an order issued by the Judge of the Tivoli Court, this morning the eviction of former falconer Juan Bernabé was executed, as he was occupying accommodation within the Formello sports centre without authorisation.
"The decision follows the contract termination months ago for behaviours deemed incompatible with the club's ethical values. The Society, after numerous requests for voluntary vacation of the property, acted in competent venues to protect its assets and the operational environment of the sports facility.
"Every action was taken in full compliance with the law, with a firm intention to ensure order, legality, and decorum within its structures."
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Bernabe was sacked by Lazio in January
(Image: 2025 Image Photo Agency )
Bernabe stood by his decision to post the content, citing his upbringing in a naturist family and his intention to bring "visibility" to the procedure. Speaking to Radio 24, he said: "I published it to give visibility to the intervention. I come from a naturist family and do not understand why it is linked with pornography."
Lazio, however, found Bernabe's conduct to be at odds with the club's ethical principles and chose to part ways with him. This also isn't Bernabe's first brush with controversy at the club, reports the Mirror.
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In 2021, he faced suspension for making a fascist salute and chanting "duce, duce" (Italian for "leader, leader"), a phrase associated with Italy's former Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, after a game against Inter Milan.
Bernabe stood by his decision to post the content
Bernabe's stance at the time was unapologetic: "I did it and I don't regret it because I admire Mussolini, he did great things for Italy as Franco did for Spain."
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Despite previous incidents raising eyebrows among some supporters, Lazio had reinstated him due to his connection with the team's mascot and its fans. Now, the Serie A club has decided to completely sever ties with Bernabe.
Reports suggest that Lazio are now searching for a new eagle and falconer to represent them in the 2025/26 season, with Nicola Pataleo being named as a possible replacement.
The 46-year-old has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Zoomarine amusement park and proudly owns nearly 50 birds of prey, including three American bald eagles – the same species as Lazio's newest mascot Olympia.