The Shocking Truth Behind The 'Lazio Falconer Prosthetic Photo' Scandal: What REALLY Happened To Juan Bernabé And Olympia The Eagle

The phrase "Lazio falconer prosthetic photo" conjures images of an unfortunate accident or a medical recovery, but the true story behind this viral search term is far more sensational and is rooted in an explosive social media scandal that rocked the world of Italian football in early 2024. This controversy centers on the club's longtime, high-profile falconer, Juan Bernabé, and explicit content he willingly shared online, which ultimately led to his immediate dismissal from the prestigious role of handling the beloved club mascot, Olympia the European Golden Eagle.

The incident transcended sports news, becoming a global headline that highlighted the intersection of personal life, public figure status, and the strict image requirements of a major Serie A club. As of late 2024, the fallout continues to affect S.S. Lazio, with the club scrambling to manage the public relations disaster, the future of their iconic eagle mascot, and the subsequent hiring of a new handler to restore normalcy at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juan Bernabé: Biography, Career, and Controversy Timeline

Juan Bernabé, a Spanish falconer, was a fixture at S.S. Lazio home matches for over a decade, becoming almost as iconic as the eagle he handled. His career with the Roman club was marked by both professional success and recurring, highly publicized political controversy, setting the stage for his dramatic and final dismissal.

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• Name: Juan Bernabé
• Nationality: Spanish
• Role: Official Falconer for S.S. Lazio
• Mascot: Olympia (Olimpia), a European Golden Eagle
• Tenure: Began in the 2010–2011 season, lasting over 13 years.
• The Eagle's Role: Before every Lazio home match at the Stadio Olimpico, Bernabé would release Olympia, who would circle the stadium before landing on his arm, a ritual symbolizing the club's power and history.
• Initial Controversy (2021): Bernabé was suspended in 2021 after being filmed performing a controversial, allegedly fascist salute to the Curva Nord (the section housing Lazio's ultra fans) following a match against Inter Milan.
• Political Stance: Following the 2021 suspension, Bernabé publicly detailed his admiration for historical figures like Benito Mussolini, though he initially denied being a fascist.
• Final Dismissal: Sacked in January 2024 following the prosthetic photo scandal.

The Prosthetic Photo Scandal: A Penile Implant and Social Media Firestorm

The search term "Lazio falconer prosthetic photo" does not refer to a prosthetic leg, but to a penile implant (or prosthetic penis) that Juan Bernabé had surgically fitted.

The Explicit Posts and Club Reaction

In January 2024, Bernabé shared graphic photos and videos of his penis implant on his private social media accounts, detailing the procedure and his post-operative state. The explicit nature of the content quickly circulated, drawing immediate and intense media attention. The footage was shared after Bernabé underwent surgery for the implant, which he claimed was intended to improve his sexual performance.

The reaction from S.S. Lazio was swift and decisive. The club released a statement expressing their shock and announcing the immediate termination of Bernabé's contract. The club's leadership, including President Claudio Lotito, determined that the posts were incompatible with the image of a major sporting institution and constituted a severe breach of conduct.

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Bernabé, a 56-year-old at the time, defended his actions by claiming he was promoting "medical awareness" about the procedure. However, this explanation failed to deter the club, which had already faced significant public scrutiny over Bernabé's previous controversies, particularly his alleged far-right political leanings.

The Aftermath of the Sacking: Eviction and the Eagle's Future

Following his firing, the scandal took another bizarre turn when Bernabé reportedly refused to leave the club's premises. Media outlets reported that he had "barricaded" himself into the area where the eagle, Olympia, was housed, forcing the club to involve police to finally evict the former falconer. This dramatic standoff marked the final chapter of Bernabé's controversial tenure with the Biancocelesti.

The New Era: Olympia and Giacomo Garruto

The most pressing concern for the club and its fans, after the initial shock subsided, was the future of their iconic mascot, Olympia the Eagle. The European Golden Eagle, a symbol of the club's heritage and the Roman Empire, is a crucial part of the pre-match ritual at the Stadio Olimpico.

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The Search for a Replacement Falconer

For a period following Bernabé's sacking in January 2024, Olympia was grounded, and the traditional pre-match flight display was suspended, much to the disappointment of the Lazio faithful. The club embarked on a search for a new handler who could manage the powerful bird and, crucially, maintain a professional public image.

The Appointment of Giacomo Garruto

After a period of months, S.S. Lazio officially appointed a new falconer, Giacomo Garruto, to take over the responsibility of handling Olympia. This appointment signaled the club's attempt to move past the scandal and reinstate one of the most unique and beloved traditions in Serie A football. Garruto’s role is to ensure the eagle's well-being and to flawlessly execute the ceremonial flight before every home game, re-establishing the powerful visual connection between the club and its historic symbol.

However, the eagle's handler role seems to be a magnet for controversy. Reports emerged that the new falconer, Giacomo Garruto, also faced scrutiny for his own social media activity, though the details were not as explicit as his predecessor's. This development highlighted the extreme difficulty the club faces in finding a handler for their high-profile mascot who is both professionally skilled and entirely free of public relations risks. The saga of the Lazio falconer, from the prosthetic photo scandal to the new appointment, remains a highly scrutinized and talked-about topic in the world of Italian football and beyond, demonstrating the immense pressure on even peripheral figures associated with global sports brands.