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Sunderland has hired Paolo Di Canio as manager on a 2 1/2-year contract to replace the fired Martin O'Neill.
The 44-year-old Italian replaces O'Neill who was sacked following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United, which left the club a single point above the relegation zone. Di Canio will take charge from Monday after traveling to the North East on Sunday for talks.
Di Canio is a supporter of far-right political views and once received a one-match ban for performing a salute that was adopted by the Italian Fascist regime in the early 20th century. Di Canio has admitted to having fascist leanings, telling Italian news agency ANSA in 2005: "I am a fascist, not a racist."
His appointment Sunday prompted former British politician David Milliband to immediately resign as vice chairman and non-executive director of Sunderland.
''I wish Sunderland AFC all success in the future,'' Milliband wrote on his website. ''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.''
Di Canio also famously pushed a referee to the ground after being sent off while playing for Sheffield Wednesday in 1996. He received an 11-match ban from the English Football Association and was fined 10,000 pounds.
The 44-year-old Italian replaces O'Neill who was sacked following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United, which left the club a single point above the relegation zone. Di Canio will take charge from Monday after traveling to the North East on Sunday for talks.
Di Canio is a supporter of far-right political views and once received a one-match ban for performing a salute that was adopted by the Italian Fascist regime in the early 20th century. Di Canio has admitted to having fascist leanings, telling Italian news agency ANSA in 2005: "I am a fascist, not a racist."
His appointment Sunday prompted former British politician David Milliband to immediately resign as vice chairman and non-executive director of Sunderland.
''I wish Sunderland AFC all success in the future,'' Milliband wrote on his website. ''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.''
Di Canio also famously pushed a referee to the ground after being sent off while playing for Sheffield Wednesday in 1996. He received an 11-match ban from the English Football Association and was fined 10,000 pounds.
Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 
05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015
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