Italy matches delayed to allow anti-racism protests

The Italian Football Federation has ordered all games in the country this week to kick off five minutes late to allow players to demonstrate their opposition to racism.

The decision was sparked by Messina's Ivory Coast defender Zoro, who threatened to leave the field in protest against racist jeering from visiting Inter fans in a Serie A match on Sunday.

The Federation said that all the midweek Italian Cup fixtures along with next weekend's league games at all levels down to amateur football would be delayed with the players taking to the field holding banners declaring 'No to Racism'.

Zoro, who had been jeered by Inter fans throughout the game, picked up the ball in the 66th minute and headed off the field towards the fourth official before other players urged him to continue with the game.

The defender said it was not the first time he had been the subject of racist taunting during his eight years in Italian football.

"It has happened many times, always, wherever I go," he said.