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He's described himself as a fascist in the past, and he's been punished for repeatedly making straight-arm salutes on the pitch -- but in his first press conference as Sunderland manager Paulo Di Canio said accusations about his politics are "ridiculous and pathetic."

He's a veteran of more than 500 league appearances, with more than 100 goals under his belt -- and in his first management job he helped Swindon get promoted to League One.

Should we be proud to have a footballer of his calibre in the English game?

Or do his politics mean there's simply no place for him in our national sport?

Is Di Canio an asset to British football, or an embarrassment? Nicky Campbell takes your calls.