New Lazio signing Elseid Hysaj has sparked a furious reaction from club ultras for singing left-wing anthem 'Bella Ciao' during his initiation ceremony.
As is tradition at most clubs, new signings have to sing a song in front of their teammates upon joining.
In footage that was shared - and swiftly deleted - by midfielder Luis Alberto, Hysaj chose to belt out 'Bella Ciao' at a restaurant. He checks the lyrics on his phone before passionately shaking his fists at the climax.
Alberto could also be seen singing along, as could a number of the other players, but it is Hysaj's behaviour that has gone down badly with Lazio's supporters.
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The tune is historically seen as a left-wing anthem and Lazio's fans align themselves on the far right.
They have now put up a banner on the bridge of Corso Francia in Rome, one of the most visible points in the city, that reads: "Hysaj is a worm, Lazio are fascist."
'Bella Ciao' is associated with the movement that liberated Italy from fascism. It was sung by partisans who fought against the Nazis and Benito Mussolini's dictatorship.
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One Lazio supporter, Franco Costantino, told Adn Kronos: "Historically ours is a far-right fan base and we're proud of it.
"Bella Ciao sung with the Lazio shirt is something out of this world. Hysaj made a mistake. He has no excuses."
A group of ultras reportedly went to the restaurant to confront Hysaj but the team had already left.
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They are said to have then arranged a meeting with Hysaj, Lazio sporting director Igli Tare and a group of police officers outside the team hotel.
Lazio have since released the following statement: "It is the job of a club to protect its player and remove him from situations where he is being used for personal and political gain.
"In this case they certainly had nothing to do with the informal and friendly context of the incident.
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"The training retreat must continue in the climate of calm that we enjoyed up until today."
Albania captain Hysaj joined Lazio as a free agent after his contract at Napoli expired this summer. He could now face a fierce reception in his first game at the Stadio Olimpico.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Lazio
