Lazio mascot handler praises Mussolini

Juan Bernabe was filmed by fans at Rome's Stadio Olimpico making the fascist salute and chanting "Duce, Duce" while holding the eagle Olimpia and dressed in full Lazio kit in the aftermath of the 3-1 triumph over Italian champions Inter, earning fierce criticism from the Union of Jewish Communities in Italy.

On Wednesday Lazio said that Bernabe -- employed by an outside company -- would be suspended but in an interview with Rome-based daily Il Messaggero the Spaniard said he didn't understand "why this provoked so much chaos", claiming he thought he was performing a "military salute".

"I was born in the army, I come from a right wing culture, I'm a supporter of (Spanish far right party) Vox like many footballer friends of mine and I'm proud of it," the paper quoted him as saying.