BBC SPORT | CELTIC | McCann to sue Di Canio (original) (raw)

Former Celtic Chairman and Managing Director, Fergus McCann, is to take legal action against former Parkhead favourite Paolo Di Canio.

McCann is incensed by remarks made by the West Ham playmaker in extracts from a forthcoming book which were published in the News of the World newspaper.

McCann issued a statement on Friday, saying: " I am taking Paolo Di Canio to task over recent false and damaging remarks. Legal papers will be served.

"It is important that individuals such as Di Canio are not allowed to get away with misleading the public and particularly the Celtic support. I also have a personal obligation to defend my reputation.

Exposed

"On reflection I wish I had taken this action some years ago and exposed Di Canio and Pierre van Hooijdonk for the disreputable way they abused the backing of Celtic Football Club and the Celtic support by spreading false and damaging statements.

"Both individuals signed detailed binding contracts proved by their agents and were delighted to do so, then later having had their careers greatly enhanced by playing for Celtic sought to make false claims against myself and the club.

"In the real world we are all accountable for our words and actions, a lesson Mr Di Canio is about to learn."