Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio has promised to stop giving the fascist salute to his supporters.

Di Canio, who has twice been fined for the straight-arm gesture, told a radio station in Rome he would cease his 'Roman salute' to the fans in order to protect the club.

"During the Christmas break I have had time to reflect and I have decided to put the good of Lazio before my interests," the former West Ham United player said.

"For the moment I will avoid certain displays in public, situations which are so devilish for some people," he said.

"But I will continue my battle for liberty in other ways, with he help of the lawyers who assist me," he said.

The 37-year-old had vowed to continue with the salute despite receiving a one-match ban last month.

He was fined €10,000 and banned for one game after making the gesture in a home match against Juventus.

Di Canio could face another fine and ban when soccer authorities meet later this month to decide on the punishment for the salute he gave in a Serie A match at Livorno.

Three supporters groups have opened a bank account for donations to pay Di Canio's fine.

The striker, who has also played in Scotland with Celtic and for Italian clubs Juventus and AC Milan, first made the salute in the Rome derby last season - for which he was fined.