How did Hitler, Franco and Mussolini manipulate the game? Real Madrid player
Alfredo Di Stefano is among the contributors.
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Documentary: Football and Fascism 8.30pm BBC4
The links between brutal dictators and the not-always-beautiful game extend far beyond the personal demeanour of some Premiership managers. Half century before the marketing men staged their pitch invasion, Hitler, Franco and Mussolini had already realised football's power to sway the masses. Mixing archive, expert analysis and testimony from players, this reveals how - through corruption, intimidation, empty promises and even murder - the fascist movement manipulated clubs and got supporters chanting their slogans. Fortunately, history has shown that fielding entire teams of right-wingers is not a match-winning tactic. (Quentin Cooper)