Sunderland Manager Paolo Di Canio Refuses to Deny That He's a Fascist

In Paolo Di Canio’s press conference this morning in Sunderland, the new manager was asked several times by BBC reporter Dan Roan to clarify whether he remains a fascist or not.

Di Canio refused to do so, instead referring each time to yesterday’s official statement.

The Sunderland manager then added:

“I spoke many times more on this. Fans have to think my life speaks for me.’

‘I don’t have to answer any more this question, there was a very good statement from the club, (with) very, very clear words that came out from me.”

However, as I wrote about yesterday, Di Canio’s official statement issued yesterday by the club does nothing to set the record straight on whether he remains a fascist or not. Until he denies he’s a fascist, we can only assume that he still considers himself one as he did in a 2005 interview.

Di Canio’s appointment at Sunderland is being met by opposition from local fans. The Durham Miners’ Association have joined the opposition to Di Canio’s appointment, while some Sunderland fans have demanded that Di Canio retract his pro-fascist views.

Meanwhile, Di Canio is optimistic about his Sunderland squad, adding:

“I don’t know what has happened here but with the players we’ve got I can’t imagine why we are only one point above the relegation zone.”

“But it is important that the fans at the end are completely happy, hopefully in the next few years we can celebrate but for now it is just important to get to May 19. We know we want to stay up to maintain our position in this league. I just hope the fans will appreciate Paolo Di Canio and the players, that we are working for this club with the maximum professionalism.”