LULIC LANDS IN HOT WATER

Lazio star Senad Lulic could be handed a multiple-match ban for controversial comments made to Roma defender Antonio Rudiger in a fiercely-contested capital derby in Serie A on Sunday. Lulic was facing accusations of racism in the wake of last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Roma for likening Rudiger, who is black, to a street seller hawking "socks and belts". Although the Bosnian midfielder explained his words "were a provocation to a provocation", he stopped short of offering an apology. Federal prosecutor Giuseppe Pecoraro will now look at footage of the interview in which Lulic made the disparaging comments. If they are deemed racist, he faces several games on the sidelines. The Italian football federation (FIGC) and Serie A officials have introduced new disciplinary measures aimed at stamping out racist behaviour by fans as well as players.