"We will immediately set up a permanent round table commission to discuss the situation between sport and politics," Italian football federation (FIGC) President Luca Pancalli said in a statement.

"It’s not possible to carry on like this. If this is football, then I’m stopping everything."

The match, which ended 2-1 for Palermo, was stopped after an hour when the tear gas used by the police to stop the trouble makers outside the stadium floated into the pitch.

The brawl erupted because Palermo fans couldn't enter the stadium until the second-half, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Italy's friendly against Romania, which was due to be played on Wednesday, has been also called off.

Police officer Filippo Raciti was killed when struck in the face by a homemade bomb, according to Calcio Italia magazine.

The clashes continued after the end of the match and around a hundred people were injured and dozens were taken to local hospitals.

Italy Prime Minister Romano Prodi issued a statement to condemn the riots.

"After the serious incidents that occurred tonight in Catania, my first thought is for the people that have been affected and for their families,"

"I feel a duty to say that we need a strong and clear signal to avoid the degeneration of this sport which we are seeing more dramatically and more often."