By editor 
The dismissal of Juan Bernabe, SS Lazio’s falconer responsible for handling the club’s iconic eagle mascot Olympia, following his social media posts featuring his prosthetic genitalia, has sparked a multifaceted debate that transcends sports. This incident underscores the complex interplay between personal expression, professional conduct, and institutional branding in the digital age. The case not only highlights the potential consequences of private actions on public perception but also raises critical questions about privacy, professionalism, and the evolving norms of social media use.
The Symbolism of the Eagle and the Falconer’s Role
SS Lazio, one of Italy’s most storied football clubs, is deeply rooted in tradition. The club’s eagle mascot, Olympia, is more than just a pre-game spectacle; it is a living symbol of power, freedom, and the club’s spirit. The falconer’s role is pivotal, requiring not only technical expertise in handling the eagle but also an understanding of the mascot’s cultural significance. Juan Bernabe, who had been Lazio’s falconer since the 2010-2011 season, was a key figure in maintaining this tradition. His dismissal, therefore, was not merely the loss of an employee but a disruption of a cherished ritual that resonates deeply with fans.
The eagle’s flight over the stadium before matches is a moment of anticipation and unity for Lazio supporters. It represents the club’s identity and heritage, making the falconer’s role both visible and symbolic. Bernabe’s actions, though personal, inadvertently challenged this symbolic role, forcing the club to address the tension between individual expression and institutional values.
The Controversy and Its Immediate Aftermath
In early 2024, Bernabe underwent surgery to receive a penile implant, a decision driven by personal preferences rather than medical necessity. Following the procedure, he shared explicit photos and videos of his prosthetic penis on his private social media accounts. While these posts were intended for a private audience, they were eventually leaked, leading to widespread attention and backlash.
Lazio’s management responded swiftly, terminating Bernabe’s contract “with immediate effect.” The club’s official statement emphasized the gravity of his actions, stating that his behavior was incompatible with the expectations placed on anyone associated with the club. This decision reflected the club’s commitment to upholding its image and values, even in the face of personal choices made outside of work hours.
The controversy also extended to the medical professional involved in the surgery, who was also dismissed by Lazio. This broader response underscored the club’s zero-tolerance approach to actions that could tarnish its reputation, regardless of the context.
Public and Media Reactions
The incident generated significant media coverage and public debate. Reactions were mixed, with some fans and observers expressing shock and amusement at the unconventional reason behind Bernabe’s dismissal. Others criticized the club’s handling of the situation, arguing that the posts were shared on a private account and involved Bernabe’s personal body, raising questions about privacy and personal freedom.
The case also sparked broader discussions about workplace boundaries in the digital era. As social media blurs the lines between personal and professional life, individuals in public-facing roles must navigate the risks of their private actions becoming public. This incident highlighted the delicate balance between personal expression and professional responsibility, particularly for those associated with institutions that hold significant cultural and symbolic value.
Implications for Lazio and Its Traditions
Bernabe’s dismissal had immediate implications for Lazio’s matchday experience. The absence of Olympia’s flight over the stadium disrupted a tradition that fans had come to cherish. The eagle’s presence is not just a spectacle but a symbol of the club’s identity, and its absence raised questions about how Lazio would maintain its traditions amidst modern challenges.
The delay in Bernabe’s eviction from the club’s training ground residence further complicated the situation, adding another layer of intrigue and logistical challenges for Lazio. The club’s swift response to the controversy, however, demonstrated its commitment to protecting its brand and values, even if it meant making difficult decisions.
Broader Reflections on Social Media, Identity, and Professionalism
This incident is emblematic of broader cultural shifts where social media usage by employees, even in ostensibly private capacities, can have far-reaching consequences. Individuals who hold roles tied to institutions with strong public profiles must navigate an often unforgiving landscape where personal disclosures can quickly become organizational crises.
Sports clubs, particularly those steeped in tradition like Lazio, grapple with maintaining their image while respecting personal liberties of their employees. Bernabe’s case demonstrates that social media content involving explicit material, even if unrelated to job duties, can clash sharply with brand values and public expectations.
It also highlights how rapidly clubs must respond to public relations challenges in the digital age. Lazio’s “speed of light” response—terminating both Bernabe and the doctor involved in the surgery after images surfaced—suggests a zero-tolerance approach aimed at protecting institutional reputation.
Conclusion: Navigating Tradition, Individuality, and Modern Media Risks
The firing of Lazio’s eagle falconer for posting photos of his prosthetic penis captures a unique confluence of personal expression, professional responsibility, and digital exposure. It signals evolving challenges for sports organizations in preserving their historic traditions while adapting to the realities of contemporary social media culture.
For Lazio, the absence of Olympia flying overhead is more than just losing a matchday spectacle; it’s a disruption to a narrative central to club identity. For individuals operating in high-visibility roles, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the interplay between private life and public association.
Ultimately, this episode illustrates how deeply intertwined the personal and professional realms have become in the internet era, and how actions once considered private can swiftly influence an entire organization’s narrative and legacy. In facing these realities, both individuals and institutions must continuously negotiate the boundaries of expression, professionalism, and symbolic meaning in an age of instant sharing and relentless scrutiny.