Former senior Labour party MP David Miliband has stepped down from his role at Sunderland.
The former Foreign Secretary quit as vice-chairman and non-executive director following the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as new manager, naming the Italian's political views as the reason for his departure.
"I wish Sunderland AFC all success in the future. It is a great institution that does a huge amount for the North East and I wish the team very well over the next vital seven games," Miliband said.
"However, in the light of the new manager's past political statements, I think it right to step down."
Back in 2005, Di Canio referred to himself as a fascist which has prompted Miliband to move on and focus on a new job with a US charity in New York.
