Lazio's di Canio suspended after ‘fascist’ gesture

Lazio's Paolo di Canio has been banned for one match and fined by the Italian football federation for an allegedly fascist salute.

The former West Ham and Celtic striker misses tomorrow night’s Serie A match at Lecce, and has also been ordered to pay €10,000 following his gesture during Saturday’s league game against Juventus.

Di Canio (aged 37) saluted his own Rome-based club’s fans after being substituted in the 1-1 draw, as he did on a separate occasion earlier in the season, to mixed views in Italy. He has made similar gestures during previous matches this year.

The player himself is adamant he has committed no offence.

“This is a political sentence and it is unjust,” said Di Canio.

“My salute dates back to ancient Rome and expresses a sense of being a part of something, it has nothing to do with a racist ideology.

“I am ready to do it again.”

Lazio president Claudio Lotito defended his player and said: “His gesture was not political and it has been misinterpreted.”