LAZIO BANNER ADDS TO RACISM STORM

LAZIO are anxiously waiting to see if the Italian football federation carry through a threat to close the  Stadio Olimpico after the club's fans racially abused Roma players during the derby match on Sunday evening.

Brazilian star Cafu and French defender Jonathan Zebina were both verbally insulted whilst a banner aimed at the opposition fans and players was unfurled on the Lazio stand behind the goal (curva) bearing the words 'SQUADRA DI NEGRI, CURVA DI EBREI' (squad of ni**ers, curva of jews).

Lazio's racist problems have been well documented. It is not the first time the Biancoceleste fans have displayed offensive banners, and the problem is not restricted to the fans.

Earlier this season, the club's Yugoslav defender Sinisa Mihajlovic (pictured) was suspended by Uefa for racially abusing Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira during the Champions League match between the two sides.

The Slavic star gave a grovelling apology, but later backtracked - after being criticised by the fans for listening to the governing body.