Di CANIO TO STOP FASCIST SALUTES
Thursday 5 Jan, 2006 4:45pm
Lazio's Paolo di Canio has promised to stop his raised-arm salutes for the time being. But Di Canio said he intended to continue to contest any disciplinary action against him.
"I have had time to reflect and have decided to put the good of Lazio before my interests," said the 37-year-old.
Battle for liberty
"For the moment, I will avoid certain displays in public. But I will continue my battle for liberty in other ways with the help of my lawyers."
Di Canio was fined 10,000 Euros and received a one-game ban after performing the Nazi-style salute against Juventus in Serie A in December.
He is in the process of appealing against the punishment, with the Italian Football Association still to rule on a separate incident during a match against Livorno.
"I will avoid certain situations, but I will continue my battles, without second thoughts and with even more decisiveness," added Di Canio.
Facist not racist
In December, Di Canio defended his actions, insisting he was "a fascist but 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."
Di Canio also made a fascist salute at the end of Lazio's 3-1 win over city rivals AS Roma in January, receiving a 10,000 Euros fine.
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.
Lazio's Paolo di Canio has promised to stop his raised-arm salutes for the time being. But Di Canio said he intended to continue to contest any disciplinary action against him.
"I have had time to reflect and have decided to put the good of Lazio before my interests," said the 37-year-old.
Battle for liberty
"For the moment, I will avoid certain displays in public. But I will continue my battle for liberty in other ways with the help of my lawyers."
Di Canio was fined 10,000 Euros and received a one-game ban after performing the Nazi-style salute against Juventus in Serie A in December.
He is in the process of appealing against the punishment, with the Italian Football Association still to rule on a separate incident during a match against Livorno.
"I will avoid certain situations, but I will continue my battles, without second thoughts and with even more decisiveness," added Di Canio.
Facist not racist
In December, Di Canio defended his actions, insisting he was "a fascist but 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."
Di Canio also made a fascist salute at the end of Lazio's 3-1 win over city rivals AS Roma in January, receiving a 10,000 Euros fine.
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.
posted by garrettmullan
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