Di Canio defends salute: Lazio's Paolo di Canio has defended making a raised arm salute at the end of last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Livorno. The incident happened as the controversial 37-year-old walked off after the final whistle under grandstands containing Lazio fans.
"I saluted my people with what for me is a sign of belonging to a group that holds true values, values of civility against the standardisation that this society imposes upon us," the striker told radio station Radio Spazio Aperto. "I'm proud to be able to count on such people and I will continue to salute them in this way."
The match in Livorno was as much a conflict of political views as a sporting event. Livorno are known for the hard left-wing politics of their supporters, while Lazio's "ultras" have often aligned themselves with the far right. The game was played in a poisonous atmosphere. The home supporters chanted anti-fascist songs while the visitors held up a swastika.
"I was the object of very heavy insults throughout the match, but I didn't react," Di Canio said.
If Italy's Football League takes action over the incident, Di Canio expects his club to defend him.
"I expect a robust defence from my club and this time I'm not going to settle for anything less. I expect my president to defend me, just like presidents do in other clubs, otherwise I'm going to be really pissed off."
Di Canio's gesture caused particular outrage among Jewish groups in Italy, who called for action to be taken. Di Canio brushed their protests aside. "If we are in the hand of the Jewish community it's the end," he said. "If action is taken because one community is up in arms it could be dangerous."
Di Canio also made the raised arm gesture at the end of Lazio's win over arch-rivals Roma in January and was fined €10,000
Fans boost McCarthy
Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has received a vote of confidence from the club's fans as he attempts to engineer an unlikely escape from the Premiership's relegation zone. The former Ireland manager was backed by 56.3 per cent of participants in a telephone poll, conducted by an evening newspaper, the Sunderland Echo, over whether he should be sacked.
Of the 2,266 responses received, 1,276 called for him to be left in place, while 990, or 43.7 per cent, urged chairman Bob Murray to cut his losses and look for a new manager. The poll was conducted in the wake of the Black Cats' 10th successive defeat in all competitions and ninth in the league at Charlton on Saturday, which left them 11 points adrift of safety.
Jewell backs Fergie
Wigan manger Paul Jewell has described as "complete nonsense" the criticism of Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson. Despite filling Old Trafford's trophy cabinet during his 19 years at the helm, Ferguson is coming under fire in the wake of United's early exit from the Champions League last week. The critics believe Ferguson's reign will come to an end when his 12-month rolling contract expires at the end of the season, especially with the ruling Glazer family so far staying silent on the issue.
Yet Jewell, who tonight takes his side to face a team apparently on the slide, is at a loss to understand why the snipers are gunning for Ferguson. "It's complete nonsense he is getting stick," said Jewell. "He has been a top manager in this country for years, has won everything in the game, and I don't think he needs to prove anything to anybody."
In brief . . .
Southampton insist highly-rated teenager Theo Walcott will stay at the club despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in the January transfer window . . . Scotland striker Kenny Miller has turned down a new contract at Wolves and has been linked with a return to Rangers as well as his hometown club Hearts.
