Sunderland's Di Canio Hits Back In Fascism Row

New Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has hit back after criticism over his appointment, saying it was "stupid" to call him a racist.

Di Canio is a controversial figure who has previously admitted to having fascist leanings, and has been photographed several times making a so-called Roman salute while playing for Italian club Lazio.

In 2005, he told the Italian news agency ANSA: "I am a fascist, not a racist", and his appointment as Sunderland boss prompted David Miliband to quit as the club's vice-chairman "in the light of the new manager's past political statements".

In a statement on Monday, former West Ham striker Di Canio, 44, said: "I don't have a problem with anyone.

"I haven't had a problem in the past and I don't know why I have to keep repeating my story, to be defending  myself on something that doesn't belong to me every time I change clubs.

"Talk about racism? That is absolutely stupid, stupid and ridiculous."

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said "it's been very disappointing to read some of the reaction to Paolo's appointment".

Ms Byrne added: "To accuse him now... of being a racist or having fascist sympathies, is insulting not only to him but to the integrity of this football club."

Di Canio gestures towards Lazio fans with a so-called Roman salute

Di Canio said the comments that led to Mr Miliband's resignation were from an interview "many years ago" and said his "expression (was taken) in a very, very negative way".

The manager also said in the statement: "What I can say is that if someone is hurt, I am sorry. But this didn't come from me, it came from a big story that people put out in a different way to what it was.

"The people who know me can change that idea quickly. When I was in England my best friends were Trevor Sinclair and Chris Powell, the Charlton manager - 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. I want to talk about sport.

"I want to talk about football, my players, the board and the fans. I don't want to talk any more about politics - I am not a politics person."

Former Swindon chairman Jeremy Wray, who gave Di Canio his first chance in management, dismissed Mr Miliband's stance as a "sad knee-jerk reaction".

David Miliband quit Sunderland FC after Di Canio's appointment

Di Canio replaces Martin O'Neill who was dismissed on Saturday evening following the club's 1-0 home defeat against Premier League leaders Manchester United.

That result left the Black Cats without a win in eight games and just a point clear of the relegation zone.

With seven games remaining, Di Canio faces a fight to keep Sunderland in the top flight, particularly with top scorer Steven Fletcher out for the remainder of the season with an ankle ligament injury.

Unite Against Fascism's joint national secretary, Weyman Bennett, said his appointment was "an insult" to the people of Sunderland who died fighting fascism.

Mr Bennett said: "If he wants to be a manager and wants to be a public figure, he needs to make it clear he accepts these views are completely inappropriate."

Sunderland City Council's deputy leader, Councillor Henry Trueman, called for Di Canio to "leave his politics aside" during his time at the club.

"Everyone has political views but extremism is the last thing we need in football," he said.

Sunderland fan Stan Simpson, a season ticket holder for 40 years and a Sunderland AFC Supporters' Club member, said some fans would be "wary" about the Italian's appointment.

He said: "As long as he doesn't express any political opinions I can cope with it. I've got no problem with him being there.

"But if he expresses those sort of opinions while he's there, he should be sacked, it doesn't matter how or where. It's not acceptable in this country."

Another long-time fan Janet Rowan said: "I think with some people, his appointment probably will leave a bad taste but I hope that the majority of fans are going to put Sunderland football club ahead of everything."

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