NEW SUNDERLAND MANAGER Paolo Di Canio has addressed controversy over his political beliefs by declaring that he is not a racist and “does not support the ideology of fascism”.
The appointment of the 44-year-old was fiercely criticised in some quarters, as he told an Italian news agency in 2005 that he was “a fascist, but not a racist” and was pictured giving a fascist salute to fans during his time with Italian club Lazio.
Sunderland’s decision to select him as the successor to Martin O’Neill prompted the immediate resignation of the club’s vice-chairman, former foreign secretary David Miliband, while a local trade union described the move as “a betrayal and a disgrace”.
Anti-discrimination group Kick it Out also called on him to clarify his political opinions. Di Canio declined invitations to elaborate on his political views during his introductory news conference on Tuesday, but faced with mounting criticism, he issued a statement on the Sunderland website this afternoon.
“I have clearly stated that I do not wish to speak about matters other than football, however, I have been deeply hurt by the attacks on the football club,” he said.
“This is a historic, proud and ethical club and to read and hear some of the vicious and personal accusations is painful. I am an honest man, my values and principles come from my family and my upbringing.
“I feel that I should not have to continually justify myself to people who do not understand this, however I will say one thing only – I am not the man that some people like to portray.
“I am not political, I do not affiliate myself to any organisation, I am not a racist and I do not support the ideology of fascism. I respect everyone. I am a football man and this and my family are my focus. Now I will speak only of football.”
The English media are an absolute disgrace. Di Canio had been managing Swindon for years without anyone in the media caring, now all of a sudden he is a Nazi or something. It’s beyond pathetic. Anything to sell papers
Meeeerrrrrr
Exactly Jack. Why is it suddenly an issue now. Its old news. He may well be a facist.. could be worse…. he could be catholic..
Hold on a sec……
I hear you’re a racist now Father…
Only I have the farm durin’ the day and at night I just like a cup-a-tea. I mightn’t be able to devote full time to the ol’ racism.
*devote meself
Balls.
Nice one Conn
I was just waving at a mate.
Lots of mates
Shown more morals and respect than most footballers during his career, although with a fiery temper.
Its a gamble by Sunderland but let’s wait and see
like that time when he caught the ball when the Keeper was on the ground. That was a Class act.
Exactly! Robbie Keane would have stuck that Ball in the net, or more likely over the bar.
He’s a honourable man having to defend his honour
Yep John great respect for him as a sports man,typical brittish gutter press
I am not a Fascist, but…….
People love using that line normally about those they consider to be ‘racist’ ( a convenient put-down tag).
The guys personal views are no ones business, who knows what Alex Fergusons personal views are on any subject ?
Faciam isn’t as bad as Sky News et al would have people believe, it was really the application of it by Mr Hitler and Mr Mussolini that has left us with its legacy.
But Facism itself contains many elements that many people would consider perfectly acceptable and normal ( eg. commitment to Nationalism and the country and doing service for your country – a healthy questioning of liberal views and ideas before agreeing with them or endorsing them).
I’ll probably get banned now for stating a non-PC opinion !
Relax, it was a joke.
Wasn’t Fine Gael created by the Irish Fascist Party. Does that mean anyone who voted for them is a fascist sympathiser.
You are ok Larry. I have no problem with what you say here. If it is his view, so what.
everything has to be sensationalised by the meeja these days to make an impact.
I am very relaxed and having a glass of wine before dinner.
I can write and be relaxed at the same time
I didnt mean to sound condescending, although reading it back now it kind of does. I dont know the first thing about Fascism, I just like to make jokes, admittedly not very funny ones- but it makes me feel good. I hope you enjoy your dinner.
In fairness he is just the average journal commenter :)
Di canio has a tattoo of Mussolini i think that pretty much answers of what his views are
Fascism is probably the least racist and most socialist of all isms of early 20th century.
@John Michael. Yes
That doesn’t explain the comments in 2005, the fascist salutes versus Roma and Livorno. A least be consistent, if he holds believes he was happy to put in his autobiography he should back them up. The mans an idiot to think those words and actions wouldn’t become big news once he got a proper job
what did he say in his autobiography?
Nice tattoo, Paulo
Right, let’s move on now and concentrate on the football.
Don’t see what all the fuss is about, what does his political views have anything to do with football and anyway it’s not like football clubs are pillars of democracy!!
Why didnt he just answer the question yesterday and get those cheap hacks off his back. Who cares if hes the fastest.
That bbc reporter yesterday was a right plonker.If Di Canio is asked about his political opinions at a press conference then every manager should,it’s only fair no.
This is all just the media trying to wind him up because he’s a headcase…
Don’t remember any of this when he was managing Swindon
That sounds like something someone that supports fascism would say
He is a spoofer – Look at the passion in his face with this salute -
http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/515999eb69bedd5624000016-620-465-400-/paolo-di-canio-fascist-salute.jpg
“I am not the dead spit of a young pete postelthwaite” is more believable
Miliband was going in any case but he made a meal of it by tagging DiCanio to the move. The club made a mess of the press conference yesterday by not addressing the issue
Miliband is a prize cabbage.
Il Duce knows best!
Bogey club for managers real graveyard
Must be something in the water up north Newcastle are not much better with managers!!
http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/news/article/2644/paolo-di-canio-at-bomb-fascists-funeral
At funeral of fascist
Football, Religion and Politics. 3 things that should never meet.
Should all football fans clarify their political view before entering a stadium?
What I’d like to know is what does his political beliefs have to do with him becoming manager of Sunderland fc?
Fascism was so positive today’s Labour would sign on their programme any day. They had unions running corporations on behalf of the ruling party, they had free schooling programs, free care for pregnant women, doppio lavoro programs for workers entertainment. Mussolini was a socialist before he became a fascist (a little bit like Barroso being a Maoist until he came into EC and (did not) changed). Labour would sign on their program any day, minus imperialism, but show me a mainstream party against aggression in early 30′s.
Well said Larry Bird –
You have to remember that Irish people have become the most self loathing & self pitying nation on earth they would never understand the positive elements of fascism.
Whatever about his opinions..i spent half an hour on youtube yesterday watching clips of him playing..it was the first time in ages i enjoyed watching football..i wish there were more players with his skill, passion and determination in the game today..hes far from an angel on the pitch either, but he was a great to watch!
Shame on those nasty British gutter press having the temerity to ask the nice fascist why he’s a fascist. Can’t a fascist just get on with his high profile job without all the nasty fascist questions?
He’s bluffing …..
I have no idea what he is or is not, but I bet he would like to gas a few of his players for their recent form!- mind you- so would I! Lol