Crossword Genius

Defamed the Italian rider, opposed fixing (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vilified

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This clue could be a double definition.

'defamed the italian rider' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'opposed fixing' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vilified that I've seen before include "Spread negative information about" , "Spoke evil of" , "Maligned" , "Said evil things about" , "Slandered" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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