He's refused to answer questions on past comments about fascism and his political views in a fiery news conference this morning.
His comments about being a fascist supporter, from a past interview, led to the club's vice-chairman David Miliband stepping down from his role because of the appointment.
Sunderland are heavily linked to the Durham Miners Association.
It's now asked for a banner, which is permanently displayed at the Stadium of Light, to be returned.
Former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio insists his politics are not an issue as he takes charge of Premier League strugglers Sunderland.
He also insisted he’s confident and can help the club be successful in their fight against the relegation in England’s elite division.
The Italian gave straight arm salutes to the fans of Lazio, Rome in 2005 and allegedly said afterwards, “I am a fascist, not a racist.”
Di Canio has “Dux”, the Italian for Il Duce, tattooed on his right biceps and admits in his autobiography that he is enthralled by Mussolini calling him "a very principled individual".
Sunderland club released a statement "regarding the inaccurate portrayal of his beliefs and values from some quarters" and Di Canio said: "When I was in England my best friends were Trevor Sinclair and Chris Powell, the Charlton manager [both former black players] – they can tell you everything about my character. I don't want to talk about politics because it's not my area. We are not in the Houses of Parliament, we are in a football club."
What is Fascism?
Fascism is an assault on somebody’s cultural or ethnic gene pool. Hitler attacked the Jews and annihilated them.
Fascists are negative, suppressive and have a violent disposition. The biggest movement in fascism nowadays is in the Netherlands.
This anti-religious, violent in-toleration group has a total disregard for any outsiders and discriminates against anyone that doesn’t fit their order.
Fascists can be armed, often wear uniforms and have a distinctive salutes.
The 8 parts of Fascism
According to a book by S. Hunt called “Fascism and the Race Issue, Talking Politics, The Journal of the Politics Association” fascism comprises of eight components:
- Aggressive Nationalism. Fascists expect all citizens to be fiercely patriotic.
- Militaristic culture. Fascists are military minded and expect to defend their country with force.
- Racism. Contemporary fascists support whites only in their nation.
- Absolute and charismatic leaders. Fascists go for strong leaders.
- Fascists uphold the importance of the state over the individual.
- A hatred of Marxism and class conflict.
- Opposition to parliamentary rule (as it favours the individual over the state).
- Irrationality and mysticism. Most fascists utilise supernatural iconography or rituals in their doctrine.
