Play halted at Palermo after firework explodes next to Lazio's Candreva

Violence continues to be a recurring theme in Italian football.

On Sunday, in the 59th minute of the Serie A fixture between Palermo and Lazio at the former's Stadio Renzo Barbera, play was halted after a firework was thrown into the Biancoceleste's penalty area and exploded within proximity of Antonio Candreva.

Play eventually resumed after referee Andrea Gervasoni warned that he would take both teams off the pitch if there was a repeat of the incident, but the match was completed despite further trouble involving smoke bombs, seats being thrown, and fires being set in the stands.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, supporters of Palermo and Lazio clashed prior to kickoff. Objects were thrown including flares and smoke bombs, and the clash left some fans wounded.

Lazio won the game 3-0, leaving Palermo in Serie A's relegation zone with only six fixtures remaining.