RACISTS TARGET LIVERANI

Liverani recently made the move from Perugia, but his transition is unlikely to be smooth if he is targeted by certain sections of the capital club`s `supporters'.

The attacks on Liverani, who is not the first black player to represent Lazio, Dutchman Aaron Winter played for the club during the nineties, are particularly sickening considering that Rome is his home city. And earlier this year the former Perugia playmaker became the first coloured player to represent Italy.

Lazio have so far made no statement as to what action they intend to take in tackling this latest scourge. In the club's defence it could be argued that no proof has been offered as to whether Lazio supporters were responsible for the messages.

But the Lazio fans have a notorious reputation for such vile behaviour, despite the club's pledge to drive the racists out.