Fascism row as Di Canio takes charge at Sunderland
Source: Agencies |
April 2, 2013, Tuesday
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NEW Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has been warned by anti-racism campaigners that he must distance himself from extremist political beliefs.
Di Canio was due to take his first training session with Sunderland players yesterday following his surprise appointment as replacement for the sacked Martin O'Neill 24 hours earlier.
But the 44-year-old Italian's arrival at the Stadium of Light has already stirred controversy due to his far right-wing politics.
The former Lazio, Celtic and West Ham United striker has previously admitted to having fascist leanings and in 2005 said: "I am a fascist, not a racist".
Former British foreign secretary David Miliband immediately resigned as Sunderland's vice-chairman and non-executive director in protest at Di Canio's stance.
And Piara Powar, director of Football Against Racism in Europe, is concerned the appointment of Di Canio could have dangerous repercussions if his political beliefs are not immediately challenged.
"When there is a rise of intolerance and there is a coach in the Premier League, which is the most watched league globally, who hasn't clarified or wanted to renounce his fascist views during his time in the UK, it is a worrying time," Powar said yesterday.
"It would be hypocritical of us not to point out his self-proclaimed fascist past when we are outraged by Lazio fans when they make the Roman salute, which we all know has been made famous by Hitler and the far right."
Di Canio, who quit as manager of League One side Swindon in February, was the subject of a Football Association investigation last year after on-loan Leyton Orient striker Jonathan Tehoue claimed he was racially abused by the Italian.
Di Canio was later cleared of the charge, although Swindon made an apology to the player.
Di Canio has never managed in the top flight but has signed a 2-1/2 year contract with Sunderland, which has 31 points from 31 games, one point more than 17th-placed Wigan Athletic which has played one match fewer.
Di Canio was due to take his first training session with Sunderland players yesterday following his surprise appointment as replacement for the sacked Martin O'Neill 24 hours earlier.
But the 44-year-old Italian's arrival at the Stadium of Light has already stirred controversy due to his far right-wing politics.
The former Lazio, Celtic and West Ham United striker has previously admitted to having fascist leanings and in 2005 said: "I am a fascist, not a racist".
Former British foreign secretary David Miliband immediately resigned as Sunderland's vice-chairman and non-executive director in protest at Di Canio's stance.
And Piara Powar, director of Football Against Racism in Europe, is concerned the appointment of Di Canio could have dangerous repercussions if his political beliefs are not immediately challenged.
"When there is a rise of intolerance and there is a coach in the Premier League, which is the most watched league globally, who hasn't clarified or wanted to renounce his fascist views during his time in the UK, it is a worrying time," Powar said yesterday.
"It would be hypocritical of us not to point out his self-proclaimed fascist past when we are outraged by Lazio fans when they make the Roman salute, which we all know has been made famous by Hitler and the far right."
Di Canio, who quit as manager of League One side Swindon in February, was the subject of a Football Association investigation last year after on-loan Leyton Orient striker Jonathan Tehoue claimed he was racially abused by the Italian.
Di Canio was later cleared of the charge, although Swindon made an apology to the player.
Di Canio has never managed in the top flight but has signed a 2-1/2 year contract with Sunderland, which has 31 points from 31 games, one point more than 17th-placed Wigan Athletic which has played one match fewer.
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