Di Canio blasts 'traitor' Dicks

Paolo Di Canio has launched an astonishing attack on Julian Dicks after the former West Ham hard man questioned the Italian's commitment to the club.

Dicks, who spent over 10 years at Upton Park during two spells before retiring in 1999, intimated that some of Di Canio's injury problems coincided suspiciously with league fixtures in the north of England.

Dicks said: "He was missing again at Liverpool wasn't he? We all get knocks but the way he always seems to be okay for home games is a bit of a coincidence."

But Di Canio has responded with fury, calling Dicks a 'traitor' and claiming he was unprofessional during his time at the club.

The 34-year-old defended his appearance record in northern away games and blasted: "He [Dicks] talks big about his passion and heart for the club, but West Ham fans shouldn't forget what he was really like.