It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Paolo Di Canio must clarify his current political beliefs and distance himself from fascism, according to Football Against Racism in Europe director Piara Powar.
Di Canio was announced as a replacement for sacked Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill last night and is taking his first training session at the club on Monday.
The former Lazio striker has previously admitted to having fascist leanings, telling Italian news agency ANSA in 2005: "I am a fascist, not a racist."
Former foreign secretary David Miliband immediately resigned as Sunderland's vice-chairman and non-executive director after Di Canio was named O'Neill's successor on Sunday night, citing the Italian's "past political statements".
Sunderland fans groups said the club's success should take priority over politics but they remain wary of Di Canio's views. Supporters' Club member Stan Simpson, a season ticket holder for 40 years, said: "There is no way, as fans, we would entertain any fascism in our club. 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."
Originally posted by RAY1990
He or any other person in sports or not can have whatever views and beliefs they like, as long as it does not offend or hurt others what does it matter? as long as he does not bother others with his views and attempt to preach them. As far as I'm concerned UK is a place with freedom for beliefs and as long as you play by the books your beliefs are as protected as anybody else's
Originally posted by stumason
That said, he was lined up to take over Reading, who I support and I am glad he didn't take the job. Politics aside, I think the guy is a bit of a idiot but I remember him from his playing days in the Premier League...
reply to post by stumason
As you mentioned it, it is quite telling that when he was appointed Swindons manager, the GMB Union withdrew support citing political reasons. Now an ex-Labour (supported by the Unions) minister does the same at Sunderland?
Hey, if this guy supports England for Englanders then I have no problem. The real question is, do you,? If not, then you (OP) are a traitor. His own domestic politics are his own business.
Originally posted by RAY1990
League football is plagued by money and that is why we have so many foriegners in the game, personally I think a certain percentage of each club should be local never mind of the same nationality but I no longer really have a valid say... I gave up on football about 7 years ago it's just a joke really.
I think you should at least look again at the game- Yes, the Premier League's top sides have become billionaires play things full of "foreigners", but there are strict rules in place now which govern how many foreign players teams can have, how many must be homegrown and teams get a free pass on any U-21 player, by that I mean it doesn't take up a slot from their maximum 25 man squad, so there is now an incentive to develop youngsters. Aside from the biggest teams, most clubs actually rely heavily on their Youth programs to produce new players as most cannot afford the high price tags for imported ones.
Even the big teams do a lot when it comes to developing "local" players, look at Man Utd, Everton or Liverpool - all with very good Youth training programs as well as the Royals who also have a very well respected Youth program.