Paolo Di Canio accused of racism in Italy as he appears on TV with tattoo of former fascist dictator Benito Mussolini
Controversial former West Ham idol wore short t-shirt which showed off tattoo paying homage to World War II leader
PAOLO DI CANIO has caused outrage after he appeared on Italian TV in a short-sleeved t shirt which showed a tattoo in honour of fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini.
The former West Ham striker has been questioned over his political views in the past but has always denied he was a fascist.
However, he was an analyst on Sky Sport Italia and his short-sleeved t shirt allowed eagle-eyed viewers to spot a tattoo on his left arm which read ‘Dux’ — Mussolini’s nickname.
The Latin word translates into English as ‘Duke’ and is a term the dictator is commonly referred to in Italy.
Italian tweeters took to social media to vent their anger — with some threatening to cancel their membership.
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Di Canio’s political allegiances have led to controversies in the past.
He once insisted: “I am not interested politics. I am not affiliated to any organisation. I am not a racist and I do not share fascist ideologies. I respect everyone.”
However, often during Lazio games, he was accused of making the fascist salute to a section of the club’s right-wing fans — most famously after a victory over Roma in 2005.
Di Canio passionately claimed it was an old Roman salute.
While, when he was appointed Sunderland manager, Black Cats director David Miliband — whose brother Ed was the Labour leader at the time — was forced to step down.
Mussolini was head of the Italian national fascist part and prime minister from 1922 to 1943.
He sided with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany against the allies during World War II.