Former Lazio player Paolo Di Canio has been suspended from his role as a TV analyst for Sky Italia after displaying a tattoo linked to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

The "Dux" tattoo on Di Canio's right biceps was visible during Sky's Premier League coverage over the weekend, raising protests from viewers.

"Dux" is the Latin word for leader and the origin of the Italian "Duce," which Mussolini adopted as his title.

Jacques Raynaud, the executive vice president for Sky Sport & Sky Media, says "We apologize to anyone who was offended."

Known for his right-wing political views, Di Canio was suspended as a player for making a fascist salute.

Di Canio also played for Celtic, Sheffield, West Ham and Charlton; and he has managed Swindon and Sunderland in England.