Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been banned for eight matches over racial abuse.
Leeds United Goalkeeper Kiko Casilla Banned For Eight Games Over Racial Abuse
Incident Against Charlton Athletic
It was found that Casilla was guilty of using racial language in an argument with Addicks forward Jonathan Leko.
The FA have now confirmed the outcome of their investigation and dealt Casilla with a trio of punishments.
Casilla has been banned for eight matches with immediate effect, must pay a £60,000 fine and attend a face-to-face education course.
A club statement released by the Whites said: “We would like to make it clear that we do not tolerate any form of discrimination within our football club and we are a leader in the fight against discrimination within our wider community.
“However, it is important to recognise that Kiko has always denied making any racist comment.
“The FA panel have their decision on the balance of probability rather than proving Kiko to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt, which we have always believed is the more appropriate burden of proof.”
Referee John Brooks had the incident brought to him after the game and promoted an FA investigation after including the claims in his report.
According to the Mirror, the FA called in lip-readers and Spanish interpreters to gather as much evidence as possible.
They also spoke to both Casilla and Leko to gather their versions of the event.
Promotion Blow
The suspension comes as a major blow to Leeds’ promotion hopes.
Casilla has started in each of the Whites’ Championship fixtures as Marcelo Bielsa guns for promotion.
The Yorkshire outfit are five points ahead of third-placed Fulham and four behind league leaders West Brom.
It is likely Bielsa will turn to Illan Meslier to fill the vacant position.
The 19-year-old has occupied a space on the substitute’s bench in 25 of their Championship fixtures.
He also produced a good performance in the narrow FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in January.
Main Photo
