Di Canio must end fascism link, say racism group

LONDON (AFP) –

Paolo Di Canio is pictured at Rome’s Olympic stadium, playing for Lazio, 17 December 2005. Di Canio, appointed new Sunderland manager, has been warned by anti-racism campaigners that he must distance himself from extremist political beliefs.

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’s players on Monday following his surprise appointment as replacement for sacked Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill 24 hours earlier.

But the 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 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 on Monday.

“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.

“When they make that gesture and monkey noises to black players, it is hypocritical to pick out the views of fans and not a manager at a top-level side. Di Canio has made that salute himself as a player.

“I think from our perspective we would say we are seeing the rise of the far right and the intolerance and hatred that goes with that across Europe. Being a fascist is not a soft political label.”

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.

However, with several other high-profile instances of racism in the game in recent times, Powar believes it is all the more necessary for Di Canio to explain his political leanings.

“We live in a different political climate than 2011 and there has been a lot gone on in football over issues of race and that gives a different focus to a manager who calls himself a fascist being appointed to a top post,” Powar said.