Di Canio asked to explain gesture

Di Canio's 'fascist' salute row

Lazio captain Paolo di Canio will face a disciplinary hearing over an apparent fascist salute he made in the derby win over Roma ealier this month.

Di Canio has insisted the gesture was a mis-representation by the cameraman.

And Di Canio's agent Matteo Roggi told BBC Radio Five Live: "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."

The Italian football federation (FIGC) has studied the evidence and it is now up to Di Canio to plead his case in front of an independent tribunal.

The former West Ham star appeared to give a straight-arm gesture after scoring the opening goal in Lazio's 3-1 win over Roma.

Italy's former fascist dictator Benito Mussolini used to support Lazio and the club's fans have a history of suspected fascist leanings.

Di Canio has also played for Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton, Juventus and AC Milan.

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