'Shocked' Lazio sack their falconer for showing off prosthetic penis in social media posts - ending traditional eagle flight before matches

Bernabe has been with the Serie A outfit since 2010 and was in charge of the club’s iconic eagle mascot – which would be sent soaring around Stadio Olimpico on match days. The 56-year-old has, however, courted controversy after undergoing surgery “to increase sexual performance”.

Lazio have been left shocked by the actions of an employee on the club’s payroll, with the decision taken to relieve Bernabe of his duties in Rome after seeing him share images with online followers of the procedure that he has taken in.

Lazio said in a statement on the club’s official website: “SS Lazio Spa, shocked to see the photographic and video images of Mr. Juan Bernabe and to read the statements that accompanied them, announces that it has interrupted, with immediate effect, all relations with this individual, given the seriousness of his behaviour.

“The Company is aware of the pain, shared by all, that the loss of the eagle in the next home games will cause to the fans, but believes that it is not possible to be associated, all of us, and especially with the historical symbol of the eagle, with a subject that, with its initiative, has made the continuation of the relationship inadmissible.”

Bernabe responded to his sacking by saying: “The operation does not make me a porn star, I had a health issue. As for the president? He is not upset about the photos, he is a man too.”

He previously said after getting the implant in question: “I put the video on my private profile so it’s a private thing. If people then circulate it what can I do? My conscience is clear, I published it only to let people know about the surgery. I’ve never regretted anything, let alone doing it for something that has a medical purpose.”

Lazio are in the hunt for Champions League qualification this season, as they sit fourth in the Serie A table. They will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a trip to Verona, with their next home date due to be a Europa League clash with Real Sociedad on January 23.