Lazio fans at the Olympic in Rome. /
Italy
The Spanish Juan Bernabé was suspended for making a fascist salute at the Olympic Games in Rome: «I support Vox, like several footballers who are friends of mine, and I am proud of it»
The coach of the eagle who is the mascot of the Roma Lazio football club, suspended after giving a fascist salute in last weekend’s game against Inter Milan, has declared his admiration for the dictators Benito Mussolini and Francisco Franco.
The Spanish Juan Bernabé was recorded by fans of the Olympic stadium saluting and shouting “Duce, Duce”, while holding the Olimpia eagle in his arm. The images generated a wave of criticism, including from the Union of Jewish Communities of Italy.
Bernabé, an employee of a company outside the club, was suspended, but in an interview with the newspaper ‘Il Messaggero’ he said he did not understand “why so much commotion was generated” since he thought he was doing “a military salute.”
“I was born in the army, I come from a right-wing culture. I support Vox, like several footballers friends of mine, and I am proud of it, “says the coach, quoted by the newspaper.
He confirmed that he chanted in favor of Mussolini, who founded the National Fascist Party and led Italy from 1922 to 1943, before he was assassinated near Lake Como in 1945.
«I did it and I don’t regret it because I admire Mussolini. He did great things for Italy, as Franco did for Spain. I admire both and am proud of it, “he said.
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