Swindon appoint a fascist as their new boss - Should politics and football mix?

[Sluffy]

Paolo di Canio has been named as the new manager of Swindon Town.

The controversial former West Ham striker has agreed terms and is expected to arrive at the County Ground on Monday.


I must admit that I loved watching Di Canio play - and who can forget his little push on Paul Alcock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TFVuHrwgyY


BUT he openly admits to be fascist and flaunts it - should politics and football mix?





Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio has defended the raised-arm salute that earned him a one-game ban by saying he is "a fascist but not a racist".

Di Canio will contest a one-match ban for the salute, made against Juventus on Saturday, and he told Ansa news agency: "I am a fascist, not a racist.

"I made the Roman salute because it's a salute from a comrade to his comrades and was meant for my people.

"With this stiff arm I do no want to incite violence or racial hatred."
The former Italy under-21 international, who was also fined 10,000 Euros, made the gesture after being substituted in the 1-1 draw against Juventus at the Olympic Stadium.

The 37-year-old also made a fascist salute during the Serie A defeat at Livorno on 11 December.

As things stand he will miss Lazio's trip to Lecce on Wednesday.

Di Canio also made a fascist salute at the end of Lazio's 3-1 win over city rivals AS Roma in January.

On that occasion he was fined 10,000 euros and escaped a ban.

The gestures have been attacked by politicians, players, fans and Jewish groups in Italy.

Sepp Blatter, president of world soccer's governing body Fifa, said players making fascist salutes should be banned from the game for life.

Even Lazio distanced themselves from Di Canio, saying the club rejected any "politicisation" of football.

Di Canio defended the gesture, saying it was not intended as a political statement and that he would continue to acknowledge his fans in whatever way he chooses

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4544008.stm

[ReebokTrotter]

He was a great player but he comes across as a bit of a hothead in the Diego Maradona mould. I suspect he is going to find things awfully tough at Swindon having played for much bigger clubs throughout his career. I rate his success slighly higher than that of Gazza.

[DaveBWFC]

I never liked Di Canio. He was a decent player but I can't stand diving cúnts. Hopefully he fails miserably as I don't like Swindon much neither.

Pushing the ref over was funny though. Or should I say pushing the ref and the ref diving was funny.

[Diana Prince]

Football is very different in Italy. I see no reason why being a fascist should stop him being a good manager.

As he said, he's a facist not a racist.

[azreal88]

I'm not sure being a fascist is much better than being a racist, but as Di says, he could still be a good manager.  Tolerance means people can hold whatever views they like and still function within society.