Paolo Di Canio aksed to make anti-discrimination vow

Anti-discrimination group in football, Kick It Out, has strongly urged the newly appointed Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio to make a full fledged commitment against discrimination.

The Kick It Out statement read:

“It is not part of Kick It Out’s remit to sanction the selection of staff of football clubs. However, football clubs have a responsibility to ensure that their employees demonstrate a commitment to anti-discrimination and equality of opportunity.

It may be in the interest of both the club and Mr. Di Canio to acknowledge a full and frank commitment to these policies. It is all too easy for positive progress and engagement to be compromised by inappropriate statements, and both Sunderland supporters and members of its local community will be looking for reassurance on these points.”

This statement comes from the anti-discrimination group in the wake of Lazio Football Club historian Alfonso Dessi describing Paolo Di Canio as a “true fascist” who had a huge impact on hooligan supporters because of his political ideas.

Paolo Di Canio was appointed as Sunderland manager yesterday amid huge controversy over his political beliefs.

In England, David Miliband, a British Labour Party MP, has resigned as vice-chairman and non-executive director of the club due to the Italian’s “past political statements”. In a statement released on his website, Mr Miliband said: “I wish Sunderland AFC all success in the future. It is a great institution that does a huge amount for the North East and I wish the team very well over the next vital seven games.

“However, in the light of the new manager’s past political statements, I think it right to step down.”

As a player, Di Canio had two spells with Lazio and is widely admired by fans of the Rome-based team.