Post by gerrard on Apr 1, 2013 15:26:31 GMT
POST O'NEILL CONTROVERSY AT SUNDERLAND
PAOLO DI CANIO HITS BACK AT CRITICISM
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 being a fascist 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, Di Canio 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."
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."
*tks to sky sports
