Roma supporters have created an online fundraising campaign to cover a fine given to defender Gianluca Mancini. He was fined 5,000 euros ($5,430) for holding up a large flag that mocked city rival Lazio after Saturday’s derby.
Mancini, who scored Roma’s only goal in their 1-0 win, celebrated with teammates while waving a flag in Lazio’s blue-and-white colors with a large rat drawn on it.
Within less than 14 hours of setting up the GoFundMe page, Roma fan Lorenzo Contucci had raised over 7,000 euros ($7,600). Contucci mentioned that if Mancini decides to pay the fine himself, the money raised will be donated to charity.
Contucci explained that the Rome derby is known for spirited rivalry and playful teasing. He invited Roma fans who appreciated Mancini’s actions to donate to cover the fine.
After the match, 27-year-old Mancini apologized, saying, “I didn’t want to offend anyone. I just took the first flag they gave me.”
