Fact Service May 2011

Issue 21

Fascist's arrival end union's sponsorship

A branch of the GMB general union has decided to end its sponsorship of Swindon Town football club in protest at the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager.

It said the Italian former player, who was recently named as the new manager of Swindon Town, had previously voiced right-wing views of which it strongly disapproved.

The union branch is believed to have paid up to £4,000 to the club this season as part of its sponsorship deal.

A GMB spokesperson said: “Our local branch has decided to end its association with Swindon following the appointment of Paolo Di Canio.

“He has openly voiced support for Mussolini so it beggars belief that Swindon could have appointed him, especially given the multi-ethnic nature of the team and the town.”

www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/104958