Angry Paolo Di Canio ignores facism questions as tensions increase

NEW Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio refused to confirm or deny whether he was a fascist as the furore over the Italian's political views intensified.

Paolo Di Canio says some of his best friends are black Paolo Di Canio says some of his best friends are black

Di Canion was asked if he was a fascist on several occasions at a news conference this morning but did not directly respond, even though he was clearly angered by the questioning. The briefing was abruptly ended.

The former Swindon Town manager previously stated in a 2005 interview with an Italian news agency to being "a fascist, but not a racist", and his apparent political leanings have already led to the resignation of the club's vice-chairman David Miliband.

Di Canio said: "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.

"My life speaks for me so there is no need to speak any more about this situation because it's ridiculous and pathetic."

Paolo Di Canio, SunderlandPaulo Di Canio defended himself in the face of accusations he is a facsist

The club’s controversial decision to hand their managerial reins to Di Canio was condemned by some supporters’ groups and Piara Powar, the director of Football Against Racism in Europe.

Di Canio added: “Talk about racism? That is absolutely stupid and ridiculous.

“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.

“What counts are the facts. My life speaks for me but of course it hurts because people try to take your dignity and that’s not fair.

“I believe in my pillars and I have values. What offends me more than anything is not because they touch me, they touch what my parents gave to me, the values they gave me. This is not acceptable.

“We are not the Houses of Parliament, we are a football club and I want to talk about football, my players, the board and the fans.”

Paolo Di CanioPaolo Di Canio with Trevor Sinclair during their time at West Ham

There is no need to speak any more about this situation because it's ridiculous and pathetic

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio

Anti-racism campaigner Powar had earlier said: “When there is a rise of intolerance and there is a coach in the Premier League, which is the most watched league globally, who hasn’t clarified or wanted to renounce his fascist views during his time in the UK, it is a worrying time.

“There has been a lot gone on in football over issues of race and that gives a different focus to a manager who calls himself a fascist being appointed to a top post.

“I think there is no place in a sport which seeks to draw out positive impact on social relations and community to have someone who says ‘I am a fascist’.”

Di Canio has the backing of Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne, who insisted the club have made the right appointment.

She said: “Paolo is an honest man, a man of principle. To accuse him now of having racist or fascist sympathies is insulting, not only to him, but to the integrity of this football club.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?