Sunderland Manager Paolo Di Canio Says He Does Not Support the Ideology of Fascism

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio says he does not support the ideology of fascism.

In a statement released on the club website, Di Canio finally set the record straight on his political beliefs.

“I am not political, I do not affiliate myself to any organisation, I am not a racist and I do not support the ideology of fascism. I respect everyone.

“I feel that I should not have to continually justify myself to people who do not understand this, however I will say one thing only – I am not the man that some people like to portray.”

Paolo Di Canio’s appointment by Sunderland as their new manager to replace Martin O’Neill generated controversy regarding a 2005 remark that Di Canio made admitting he was a fascist. Despite repeated attempts, Di Canio and the club refused to answer the question whether Di Canio still held the belief.

On Monday, when Sunderland made an official club statement regarding the controversy, the club stated that “Neither Sunderland AFC, nor Paolo Di Canio, will make any further comment on this matter.” Thankfully they’ve come to their senses to address the PR nightmare head-on instead of trying to ignore the question.

“I am a football man and this and my family are my focus.  Now I will speak only of football.”