Paolo Di Canio hits back at racism claims

07:56, 2 April 2013

LONDON. April 2. KAZINFORM The Italian football manager Paolo Di Canio, who once described himself as a fascist, has attempted to quell a growing row over his appointment to coach Sunderland by insisting that he is not a racist and that some of his best friends are black.

Following a wave of concern from fans, anti-racism campaigners and even Sunderland city council at the 44-year old's previous political statements and record of raising straight arm salutes, Di Canio rubbished suggestions he is racist as "absolutely stupid and ridiculous".

In 2005, the Italian twice gave straight-arm salutes to fans of Lazio, the Rome club where he was playing, and reportedly declared afterwards: "I am a fascist, not a racist."

He has "Dux", the Latin for Il Duce, the name by which the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was known, tattooed on his right biceps and he wrote in his autobiography that he was fascinated by Mussolini whom he described as "a very principled individual".

In a statement issued by the club "regarding the inaccurate portrayal of his beliefs and values from some quarters" Di Canio said: "When I was in England my best friends were Trevor Sinclair and Chris Powell, the Charlton manager [both former black players] - they can tell you everything about my character. I don't want to talk about politics because it's not my area. We are not in the Houses of Parliament, we are in a football club."

Sunderland's chief executive, Margaret Byrne, also mounted a thinly veiled attack on former foreign secretary David Miliband, who resigned as the club's vice-chairman on Sunday in protest at Di Canio's politics . Byrne rebuked those "trying to turn the appointment of a head coach into a political circus".

Di Canio's appointment comes as Sunderland faces relegation from thePremier League unless it can turn around its form in the last seven games of the season, The Guardian informed.

Fans were split over whether the new manager's politics matter if he can retain the club's top flight status. Messages on Sunderland's Facebook page on Monday included: "SAFC - The club that says yes to fascism" and "Who's going to be his assistant? Nick Griffin!" Others said the club's success should take priority over politics.

On Monday night the Durham Miners' Association said it was writing to Sunderland to demand the return of the Wearmouth miners' banner, which is on permanent display at the Stadium of Light, in protest at the decision to appoint Di Canio.

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