Di Canio defends raised arm salute

Lazio's Paolo di Canio has defended making a raised arm salute at the end of last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Livorno.

The incident happened as the controversial 37-year-old walked off after the final whistle under grandstands containing Lazio fans.

'I saluted my people with what for me is a sign of belonging to a group that holds true values, values of civility against the standardisation that this society imposes upon us,' the striker told Italian radio station Radio Spazio Aperto.

'I'm proud to be able to count on such people and I will continue to salute them in this way.'

The match in Livorno was as much a conflict of political views as a sporting event. Livorno are known in Italy for the hard left-wing politics of their supporters while Lazio's ultras have often aligned themselves with the far right.

The game was played in a poisonous atmosphere. The home supporters chanted anti-facist songs while the visitors held up a swastika.

'I was the object of very heavy insults throughout the match, but I didn't react,' Di Canio said.

It is not the first time Di Canio has made the raised arm gesture. He was fined 10,000 euros ($11,900) for doing the same at the end of Lazio's win over arch-rivals Roma in January.

Sounds as if the only thing missing was Mussolini and Hitler......

HAHA! I hope the German's on this forum aren't offended by all of this.

my comments weren't made to offend anyone, it just sounds like some are still living in the past, unfortunately.......

Or Black people, or the Jews.....Di Canio could easily just stop it but he's a stubborn man, reminds me of Sir Eric in a lot of ways.

Personally I find it offensive, but he is playing to his support (and views that he obviously shares with them). Given the circumstances it could be seen as incitement which is usually considered a criminal offence. I don't know what the story is in Italy, but it's an edge that Italian football needs to deal with - but then we've been saying that for years and years.

I just dont realise how players feel its ok to do the natzi salute. Its racist. And I wouldnt expect these comments defending it from any player manager or person.

I remember last time he got caught doing it and he denied it saying the photograph was taken out of context.

Now he seems proud of it, what a [beep!]. It stands for Racism and Bigotry and should not be allowed.

Yeah exactly, there's no denying the deliberateness of the gesture with him defending it, so there's no heat-of-the-moment defence. It seems like a disgusting atmosphere for football in general with some of those matches, but he just keeps playing up to it. A little fine last time made no difference, they need to start talking bans - a long one, if not permanent.

Maybe some of the powers that be in Italian football share his views and dont mind turning a blind eye.

*lol* This was a good one.

On topic:

Italian football has always been political.And for making his "salute", Di Canio deserves a lifelong ban. It was the most stupid thing to do for him.

It's well known that a lot of the clubs 'quietly' support the extreme elements of their fanbase. To break past that the powers-that-be need to expose a lot of the clubs' dirty laundry - which they won't do without being forced into it.

its the same as some fans who seem to think that being passionate about their team includes hooligan actions and defend it as part of being a supporter .

There's no point in getting racist chants etc removed from the game if they are going to be replaced with gestures like this.

just get rid of the offenders , players or so-called fans eh...

Getting rid of Wolves would be a good start.

he should be banned for life he defended it by saying hes only in trouble because of a jewish conspiracy if he was playing in Germany he would be in prison as a celtic fan ive lost any respect for the man

Tottally behind you there! 100%

I absolutely agree

Yea he would be arrested straight away in Germany for that, i wonder if Lazio have any away European games coming up in Germany?