April 8 – The Italian Football Federation has opened an investigation into Roma defender Gianluca Mancini after he waved a flag depicting Lazio fans as ‘rats’ on Saturday.
Mancini’s celebrations at the end of Saturday’s capital derby saw the player waving a huge flag in Lazio colours that also had a giant rat painted on it.
Mancini, who said he was “the happiest man in the world” after his goal gave Roma a 1-0 win over Lazio in Serie A, sparked controversy when he was seen waving the flag.
“I didn’t want to offend anyone, I took the first flag they gave me,” Mancini said. “I apologise.”
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina confirmed to Italian media on Sunday that the federation had opened an investigation.
The 27-year-old Mancini faces a potential fine but could also risk a suspension.
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