Rafael Leao humiliates Di Canio with fascist image after harsh criticism

PARMA, ITALY - AUGUST 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on August 24, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Milan star Rafael Leao hit back at criticism from pundit Paolo Di Canio by publishing a photograph of the former Lazio player performing a fascist salute.

The statement was presented with no further comment required on the Portuguese talent’s social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

It was a response to Di Canio being extremely critical of Rafael Leao in his role on Sky Sport Italia as a pundit following the 2-2 Serie A draw between Milan and Lazio on Sunday.

No doubt reading or even watching the coverage, Leao gave a response today on social media with an image of what he considers to be far more of a ‘disgrace’ than what Di Canio accused him of doing.

Rafael Leao highlights Di Canio past ‘disgrace’

Di Canio never hid his political views and at Lazio was an ally to the furthest of the Far Right reaches in the fanbase.

Speaking to the Corriere della Sera in 2017, the former West Ham United player insisted he had “regrets” over the fascist salute pictured here after a Rome derby and the ‘Dux’ tattoo, which references WWII Fascist Italian leader Benito Mussolini.

“It is what I regret the most. I carry with me the symbols of what I was and what I did, including my errors, but I have never been racist.”