• Premier League

Di Canio 'spat in his own face'

ESPN staff
October 1, 2013

Paolo Di Canio spat water in his own face in the dressing room rant that led to his sacking as Sunderland manager, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.

After his side's defeat to West Bromwich Albion, Di Canio took a drink of water, spat it in the air and let it fall on his face. He did this several times in front of his players.

The furious Italian reportedly yelled "that is what you have done to me - spat in my face" before ordering the players to carry out the strange act on themselves.

Di Canio then told players that if they were not happy with his methods, they should call Sunderland owner Ellis Short and complain.

A number of them took him up on the offer, reportedly leading to his sacking.

Di Canio released a statement on Tuesday to deny any claims of a bust-up with his players.

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