DI CANIO PLAYS DOWN SAINTLY ACT
The Italian could have sealed the win for Harry Redknapp's side in injury time on Saturday, but, seeing Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard lying injured on the ground, he opted to catch a cross in the box in injury time, rather than head it into the awaiting open net.
Di Canio's actions surprised many people, who still see him as the villain for his well-documented push on referee Paul Alcock, which continues to dog his reputation in the game, but the player himself insists that he only did what he felt was right this weekend.
"Just as I did not expect to be branded a psychopath when I pushed over Paul Alcock, I did not expect the praise I am getting now," explained the 32-year-old in The Daily Mail.
"I saw the goalkeeper doubled over. I saw his knee twisted in the wrong direction. With outfield players it is different, we occasionally have a fall. But I guess he is heavier and got his studs caught in the pitch.
"I could hear him screaming in pain and I understood right away it was serious. That is why I was yelling at Trevor Sinclair to stop so Paul could get some medical attention.
"It seemed like the right thing to do, but I didn't really think about it," he added. "A serious injury to any professional is far worse than losing two points."
