Paolo Di Canio was criticized for his fascist salute after Lazio's 3-1 derby victory over AS Roma. Di Canio was among the scorers.

At the end of the game, he ran to Lazio supporters and gave the stiff arm salute, similar to the Roman salute used by the followers of Benito Mussolini.

Alessandra Mussolini, the grand daughter of the late dictator, and a far right politician herself, praised Di Canio and said the salute delighted her.

But politicians of other leanings were appalled by the gesture, saying it brought back painful memory for many Italians, especially those who have lost loved ones under the dictator's regime.

Di Canio also celebrated his goal in front of AS Roma, beating his own chest and shouting, despite officials' plea not to do so before the match. Last season's derby ended in a riot and players were urged to show constraint in their celebrations.

Source: www.soccernet.com

I Saw The Highlights Of That Match And Was Shocked By Di Canio's Behaviour :(

only in rome can this happ...shameful adn by such a famous adn good player
peace

ARSENAL FOREVER

And so the row continues, Di Canio has claimed innocence and says the camera-man mis-interpreted his action. :hmm:

He says, 'I went down to say hello to my supporters'.

"Obviously, if there was a photographer there that's got a camera that takes 100 pictures a minute, he says he just got him with the right hand up there."

Police are still investigating the incident.

Source: BBC
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Mis-interpreted..hmm..it could happen since what you see doesn't necessarily mean it was the intended gesture...oh well, only he knows whether he really meant it that way.