The incident happened as the controversial 37-year-old walked off after the final whistle under grandstands containing Lazio fans.

"I saluted my people with what for me is a sign of belonging to a group that holds true values, values of civility against the standardisation that this society imposes upon us," the striker told Italian radio station Radio Spazio Aperto.

"I'm proud to be able to count on such people and I will continue to salute them in this way."

The match in Livorno was as much a conflict of political views as a sporting event. Livorno are known in Italy for the hard left-wing politics of their supporters while Lazio's ultras have often aligned themselves with the far right.

The game was played in a poisonous atmosphere. The home supporters chanted anti-facist songs while the visitors held up a swastika.

"I was the object of very heavy insults throughout the match, but I didn't react," Di Canio said.

It is not the first time Di Canio has made the raised arm gesture. He was fined 10,000 euros (11,900 dollars) for doing the same at the end of Lazio's win over arch-rivals Roma in January.