SS4
Established Member
I hear Sunderland are to play 11 right wingers at the weekend 
(credit to a cartoon in today's Metro)
(credit to a cartoon in today's Metro)
I realise SS4's comment was in jest, but just generally, why do di Canio's political beliefs matter? He's there to guide the team to safety, not start a dictatorship. It's immaterial whether he's fascist, communist, socialist, conservative, neutral, whatever, when he's doing his job. Further, why was no issue made of this when it was at Swindon? Was it just because Milliband kicked off? If I was a Sunderland fan I'd be delighted that he'd made him quit![]()
The 250 hours community service and six months driving ban given to a high profile professional footballer such as Carlos Tevez at Macclesfield magistrates court for driving without insurance and whilst disqualified, noting how these types of offences have contributed to some tragic road accidents in Britain over recent years, sends out the worst possible message to those who are tempted to drive under similar circumstances.
If ever there was a case where such a case as this could have been used to prove that all drivers should receive summary justice for such offences, this was it. I am totally ashamed that the magistrates court in my own area should be the one to make such a faux pas.
There are two very interesting articles in The Times today (sorry, but they are behind the paywall). One, by Matthew Syed gives the expected reaction along the lines of "Fascists and racists should not be employed". The other, by Gabriele Marcotti, is more thoughtful and nuanced. He tries to put DiCanio's "allegiance" into the context of post-war Italy, where the split between Fascists and Communists was between two (at times brutal) gangs rather than political ideologies. Worth reading.I realise SS4's comment was in jest, but just generally, why do di Canio's political beliefs matter? He's there to guide the team to safety, not start a dictatorship. It's immaterial whether he's fascist, communist, socialist, conservative, neutral, whatever, when he's doing his job.
Milliband only finds principles when it suits what he is planning to do anyway. Why did he attach himself to the club anyway? Simply to pose as a "man of the people", like so many other football "fans" in all walks of life.Was it just because Milliband kicked off? .
There are two very interesting articles in The Times today (sorry, but they are behind the paywall). One, by Matthew Syed gives the expected reaction along the lines of "Fascists and racists should not be employed". The other, by Gabriele Marcotti, is more thoughtful and nuanced. He tries to put DiCanio's "allegiance" into the context of post-war Italy, where the split between Fascists and Communists was between two (at times brutal) gangs rather than political ideologies. Worth reading.Milliband only finds principles when it suits what he is planning to do anyway. Why did he attach himself to the club anyway? Simply to pose as a "man of the people", like so many other football "fans" in all walks of life.
The 250 hours community service and six months driving ban given to a high profile professional footballer such as Carlos Tevez at Macclesfield magistrates court for driving without insurance and whilst disqualified, noting how these types of offences have contributed to some tragic road accidents in Britain over recent years, sends out the worst possible message to those who are tempted to drive under similar circumstances.
If ever there was a case where such a case as this could have been used to prove that all drivers should receive summary justice for such offences, this was it. I am totally ashamed that the magistrates court in my own area should be the one to make such a faux pas.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the whole di Canio situation is the amount of people who apparently believe that a right to freedom of expression should also be a protection from all forms of criticism.
This protection apparently doesn't extend to David Milliband or to anyone else who might criticise di Canio, who even here have been referred to as "Trotskyist". Elsewhere I have heard Milliband accused of idolising Poll Pot.
Few people are aware of the political views of footballers, but if footballers chose to share them then they surely cannot then hide behind the sport.
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What I am surprised hasn't been picked up on is the quote from 2006 after meeting victims of concentration camps. "I've listened to the stories but I still have my ideas".
This really to me does sound like he's denying or downplaying the holocaust.
Would this issue have even surfaced if Sunderland wasn't in such a prominently left-leaning area?
Then again, so is West Ham...
I'm referring to a specific individual who has set up the most prominent pressure group. He is a Trotskyist.
Read the full accounts, not the Sky News sensationalism.
Why did this not become an issue when Di Canio joined Swindon, or played for West Ham?
Holocaust denial is a very grave accusation and clearly isn't what this is... and I wouldn't read that into that tiny quote anyway, by the way. How about you give some context?
Not really the impression I got from the smb, mind you there's a lot of cranks on there anywayThe Times have featured some excellent and very well balanced articles over the past few days on the subject. I do subscribe but it's worth a pound to buy the paper. Marcotti's today was the first really personal and illuminating insight into the history of the man, working class Rome, the culture of SS Lazio, and the real meaning of the politics. The salute is one of solidarity, though clearly unwise to perform because of what it became in Germany. The cultural implications here are profound, and way beyond the grasp or interest of the journalists running the most critical stories.
Miliband's behaviour has been truly appalling and self-serving, and the media witch-hunt sickening. He was already leaving the club!
The vast majority of Sunderland fans back the appointment (some took a while to warm to it) and have a balanced view on the issues. The agitators are nothing to do with the club. The high profile ones are well known local Trotskyists and are as politicially extreme as they claim Di Canio to be.
This could turn out to be an inspired managerial appointment. It's going to be tempestuous, but we were sleepwalking to relegation. He needs seven points. I can't wait for Chelsea on Sunday, and the Newcastle game has become wide open rather than the inevitable 4-0 defeat we all dreaded.
Not really the impression I got from the smb, mind you there's a lot of cranks on there anyway
Well I for one hope Di Canio is an abject failure. Nothing against the man or the club but rather Sunderland than us![]()
For any football fans out there thinking they're having a bad season, please spare a thought for Woodford United in the Southern League Division 1 Central. They've played 35, lost 35, scored 16 and conceded 154...
http://www.southern-football-league.co.uk/results/midResByTeam.asp?teamID=22§ion=results
Much worse - Fort have won a game (IIRC)Perhaps Paul could tell us if this is better or worse than Fort William![]()
Much worse - Fort have won a game (IIRC)
Did the other team have their legs tied together or something?

Has anyone thought to explain the term "Mackems" to him yet...![]()


So Rangers are owned by Green and Whyte - all we need now is for Jason Orange out of Take That to buy a share in them...![]()