Looks bad, doesn't it? Fear not tho, because Paolo assures us that "My gesture has nothing to do with political ideologies." Phew, that's a relief, then. In fact one leading Italian politician has said "How nice that Roman salute was. It delighted me so much."
That's Alessandra Mussolini, by the way, the granddaughter of
Il Duce himself. Paolo is an admirer of his work. To such an extent that he has "DVX" tattooed on his arm, which is (apparently) how the fascist dictator was signified in Italy in the olden days.
Seriously tho, what the hell is going on? A "Roman salute"? What's Italian for "Cobblers"? Anyone who has even the slightest interest in Italian football will know about Lazio's fascist followers (I've seen Craig describe them as "Nazio" on the forum previously) & this patently is not a "Roman" salute. I wonder how many Roma fans (traditionally with a strong Socialist following, but just as Roman as Lazio fans) greet each other with it?
Over here Di Canio had his brushes with authority, most notably when he shoved a ref over playing for Sheffield Wednesday playing against us, but made v little of his beliefs. Presumably he knew he wouldn't find such a welcoming audience. He was sufficiently well thought of to make an ad for some soap or other (Imperial Leather, maybe?). I wonder how his black former team-mates feel about him now?
In a time when UEFA are trying to stamp racism out of the game I think we have a right to expect stronger action than a 10,000 Euro fine & one match ban for this charmless turd. Nothing more than a token slap on the wrist. If he moves on to holocaust denial, will that prompt a bit more action by the authorities?
Am I right to be so aerated by this? Or should Paolo & has ilk have the right to free expression? Thoughts anyone?