Roma defender Mancini fined for celebrating win over Lazio by waving giant rat flag

Roma defender Gianluca Mancini was fined 5,000 euros ($5,430) on Tuesday but avoided a ban for his actions at the end of a Serie A match at the weekend.

Mancini — whose goal gave Roma a 1-0 win over Lazio in the capital derby on Saturday — sparked controversy when he was seen waving a huge flag in Lazio colours that also had a giant rat painted on it as he celebrated with his teammates in front of the Giallorossi fans.

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The Italian football federation opened an investigation the following day and, after reading its report, the league’s sporting judge opted to sanction Mancini with a fine.

The 27-year-old Mancini had apologized after the match.

“I didn’t want to offend anyone,” Mancini said. “I took the first flag they gave me.”