The Italian Football Federation has told all clubs to delay the kick-offs of next week’s matches to allow players to demonstrate their opposition to racism.

The move comes after Messina’s Ivory Coast defender Zoro, was racially abused by visiting Inter fans in a Serie A match on Sunday.

The Federation said that all the midweek Italian Cup fixtures along with next week’s league games at all levels down to amateur football would be delayed.

Zoro, who had been jeered by Inter fans throughout the game, picked up the ball midway through the second half headed off the field towards the fourth official before other players persuaed him to continue.

The defender said he had been taunted frequently during his eight years in Italian football.

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

Subscribe to World Soccer – The essential football magazine