Sunderland's new manager Paolo Di Canio has refused to talk about politics as anger over his admitted fascist beliefs grows.
His first press conference came as the Durham Miners' Association said it was demanding the return of the Wearmouth Miners' Banner, which is on permanent display in the Stadium of Light.
General Secretary Dave Hopper said: "The appointment of Di Canio is a disgrace and a betrayal of all who fought and died in the fight against fascism."
He added: "I, like many thousands of miners have supported Sunderland from infancy and are passionate about football. But, there are principles which are much more important.
"Our banner represents the Durham miners' long struggle for the rights of the working class, rights which were annihilated by fascism in Germany, Italy, Spain and Chile."
The stadium was built on the site of Wearmouth Colliery, where Mr Hopper worked for 27 years.
Di Canio's arrival over the weekend was swiftly followed by the resignation of local MP David Miliband as club vice-chairman.
The 44-year-old former Swindon manager and West Ham striker admitted in a 2005 interview with an Italian news agency to being "a fascist, but not a racist".
Di Canio refused to talk the press about his political beliefs In a statement on Monday he called talk about his political beliefs "stupid and ridiculous".
At a somewhat heated session on Tuesday Di Canio said: "I don't have to answer any more this question, there was a very good statement from the club, (with) very, very clear words that came out from me.
"I don't want to talk any more about politics for one reason because I'm not in the House of Parliament, I'm not a political person, I will talk about only football."
When he did talk about football, Di Canio insisted his energy, knowledge and experience would help lift Sunderland away from the relegation zone.
Di Canio said: "When I got the call, I felt fire in my belly. I would have swam to Sunderland to take the job."
Some fans were ready to judge him on how he improves the club's performance but a Facebook page called Sunderland Against Fascist Di Canio has already received more than 3,300 'likes'.
Fan Mick Clark said: "There's no place for fascism in football ... di Canio's appointment disgraces a great club."
But James Hughes said: "Di Canio isn't planning on gathering an army to suppress and cause harm to others and his interest in being here is managing a football team and fighting for survival ... survival from relegation."
On the website of supporters' magazine A Love Supreme, Rob Johnson wrote: "Words can hardly express how sickened and ashamed I am by the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as our new manager."
Richard Parker said: "For the first time in nearly 40 years, I find myself questioning whether I can continue to support our great club in the way I have done over the years."
But Terry Reilly from West Sussex urged fans to let their new manager get on with his role "of turning round a sinking ship and judge him on his ability to motivate the team and avoid relegation".
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