In his (really very good) 2005 autobiography, Paolo Di Canio refers to Benito Mussolini as a "deeply misunderstood" individual, during a chapter in which he reveals a "fascination" with the former Italian dictator.
Such a political standpoint does not sit well in the football world. Oh, unless you're managing outside the Premier League of course.
Di Canio's reign in the lower leagues with Swindon Town was met with almost universal delight by the UK media; his hot-headed press conferences generated no end of column inches and every opportunity to stick him on camera was seized. He was even given a column on the BBC, which has conveniently disappeared since his appointment as Sunderland boss this week.
So why were a man's clearly right-wing sentiments so plainly ignored? Because it actually doesn't matter if Paolo Di Canio likes Benito Mussolini. It actually doesn't.
Footballers have killed people, KILLED people, and been allowed to continue with their careers. The owners of many clubs have earned unspeakable wealth through what occasionally comes close to terrorist activity. We employ the openly sexist, homophobic and even racist - players who have targeted and attacked Asian men continue to enjoy fine careers, and if a group of fans throw a banana at a black player, our governing body will fine him for walking from the field of play.
And we're supposed to find time to worry about a man who is concerned about the number of Muslims in Italy.
Nobody likes to see somebody achieve prominence while harbouring what are seen to be politically incorrect views. But the sanctimonious hand-wringing over this issue is just as displeasing, it borders on the abhorrent.
As a football manager, the role is quite simple: win at all costs. You are not a governor of the game, you don't make the rules and your personal character need only be called into question if it affects the players.
What matters is success on the field, and what nobody appears prepared to discuss is that Di Canio has absolutely no experience of management at this level. His management style, documented brilliantly in this recent article, can also be seen as a huge de-stabiliser, particularly at this stage in a season when his new club are a single point from relegation.
Have Sunderland made a mistake then? Yes probably, but not for the reason's you're hearing.
Paolo Di Canio does not appear a very nice man. He might even be a cunt. But people in football are rarely anything but.
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