Paolo Di Canio & Fascism in football

[BoyBrumby]

Looks bad, doesn't it? Fear not tho, because Paolo assures us that "My gesture has nothing to do with political ideologies." Phew, that's a relief, then. In fact one leading Italian politician has said "How nice that Roman salute was. It delighted me so much."

That's Alessandra Mussolini, by the way, the granddaughter of Il Duce himself. Paolo is an admirer of his work. To such an extent that he has "DVX" tattooed on his arm, which is (apparently) how the fascist dictator was signified in Italy in the olden days.

Seriously tho, what the hell is going on? A "Roman salute"? What's Italian for "Cobblers"? Anyone who has even the slightest interest in Italian football will know about Lazio's fascist followers (I've seen Craig describe them as "Nazio" on the forum previously) & this patently is not a "Roman" salute. I wonder how many Roma fans (traditionally with a strong Socialist following, but just as Roman as Lazio fans) greet each other with it?

Over here Di Canio had his brushes with authority, most notably when he shoved a ref over playing for Sheffield Wednesday playing against us, but made v little of his beliefs. Presumably he knew he wouldn't find such a welcoming audience. He was sufficiently well thought of to make an ad for some soap or other (Imperial Leather, maybe?). I wonder how his black former team-mates feel about him now?

In a time when UEFA are trying to stamp racism out of the game I think we have a right to expect stronger action than a 10,000 Euro fine & one match ban for this charmless turd. Nothing more than a token slap on the wrist. If he moves on to holocaust denial, will that prompt a bit more action by the authorities?

Am I right to be so aerated by this? Or should Paolo & has ilk have the right to free expression? Thoughts anyone?

[Pothas]

Well considering he has a tatoo of Mussolini on his arm i dont think that there are any doubts about his political leaninings. I think now he has admited to being a facist but not a racist. It is a great shame because i did used to like paulo. As mentioned Lazio have a terrible record when it comes to thier fans and this cannot be alowed on a football pitch. Blater did say they were going to get tough i will wait to see if it happens.

[BoyBrumby]

Originally Posted by Pothas

Well considering he has a tatoo of Mussolini on his arm i dont think that there are any doubts about his political leaninings. I think now he has admited to being a facist but not a racist. It is a great shame because i did used to like paulo. As mentioned Lazio have a terrible record when it comes to thier fans and this cannot be alowed on a football pitch. Blater did say they were going to get tough i will wait to see if it happens.

Is it really possible to be a fascist but not be a racist?

[James]

and I read today that Harry Redknapp is trying to bring him to Portsmouth.

[Pothas]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

Is it really possible to be a fascist but not be a racist?

yes i think that is what everyone thought when they heard that quote. But i suppose he could claim just to be nationalistic but not discriminate agaisnt others because of there colour i supppose.....ok its not convincing

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Originally Posted by James

and I read today that Harry Redknapp is trying to bring him to Portsmouth.

He jokingly commented that he'd like to manage him again. Realistically he can't be chasing Di Canio.

[FaaipDeOiad]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

Is it really possible to be a fascist but not be a racist?

I'd say it is, but whether or not it's likely is another thing entirely.

[LongHopCassidy]

It's hard to condemn fascism - or any ideology, for that matter - when the society we live in is touted to be universally tolerant (but then again, fascism itself advocates the repression of beliefs, which democracy abhors - loopy conundrum, innit?). For this reason alone, I reckon UEFA, FIFA and the Italian soccer (sorry, football) authorities can be expected do a collective total of sod-all to stamp this out.

I think this prize chump has crossed the point of no return, though. You can't fight bad press.

[open365]

I'm suprised that he's a facist,i know he pushed a ref over but he also displayed great sportsmanship when he stopped play in front of an open goal because the goal kepper was injured.

[Dasa]

Originally Posted by LongHopCassidy

It's hard to condemn fascism - or any ideology, for that matter - when the society we live in is touted to be universally tolerant (but then again, fascism itself advocates the repression of beliefs, which democracy abhors - loopy conundrum, innit?).

You can always condemn a particular ideology as long as you don't prevent people from believing in/supporting that ideology.

[Langeveldt]

It was interesting to see Lucas Radebe talk on South African TV about the racism he experienced as a Leeds player from both players and the crowd... I've always admired Paolo and was surprised at this latest story..

[BoyBrumby]

What I find all the more disturbing is that the man is not just some Sieg-Heiling Nazi moron. It was known in his time in the UK he ran with the Lazio Ultras as a teenager, which is unattractive but which one could perhaps put down as a youthful indiscretion, now tho he's a man in his late 30s. Presumably he's had these views since his fascist youth & only now is he again expressing them in the most public way possible.

Unfortunately football has always attracted a lunatic fringe (over here I believe the BNP & Combat 18 have used football as a recruiting ground), but Di Canio's actions are fuel to the fire.

[superkingdave]

IIRC Shaka Hislop used to be good mates with Di Canio at West Ham, he was quoted a couple of weeks back on the incident.

"He got on well with my wife and my kids and to see him making headlines for his actions disappoints me greatly because of what those gestures mean and the wider effect of it.

"Paolo was certainly someone I considered a friend who I liked a lot, so I am very disappointed."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...td/4550506.stm

Silvio Berlusconi's comment was interesting as well. "Di Canio is an exhibitionist. His salute didn't have any significance. He's a good lad."

[BoyBrumby]

Originally Posted by superkingdave

IIRC Shaka Hislop used to be good mates with Di Canio at West Ham, he was quoted a couple of weeks back on the incident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...td/4550506.stm

Silvio Berlusconi's comment was interesting as well. "Di Canio is an exhibitionist. His salute didn't have any significance. He's a good lad."

Seems like there's some kind of collective denial going on in Italy. I remember years ago when that renowned genius Paul Gascoigne did the "sash" (imitating the flute-players from Orange-order marching bands) when playing for Rangers v Celtic. There was an absolute outcry & the gesture was, whilst offensive, hardly as universally recognised as Di Canio's salute.

[Barney Rubble]

Originally Posted by James

and I read today that Harry Redknapp is trying to bring him to Portsmouth.

I didn't think there was anything which could make me hate my own team's manager any more than I already do, but lo and behold, Redknapp has managed to sink to even lower depths.

Di Canio's actions are completely unacceptable, obviously - the worrying thing is, they're symptomatic of problems that are present throughout European football these days, particularly Italy and Spain. The Premiership is probably the most racially-accommodating league in Europe, and even here we have our idiots too - most of them are fans of Millwall or West Ham.

I hope Di Canio never returns to the Premiership - and if he ever does, I hope he comes across Michael Essien on a very bad day.