Leeds United’s Kiko Casilla handed eight-match ban for 'racist language'
Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been banned for eight matches for allegedly using racist language during September's Championship match against Charlton Athletic.
The Spaniard maintains he did not make the comment to Jonathan Leko, but the Football Association panel has decided that on the balance of probability he did make reference to the Congolese forward’s race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin.
The Whites will not appeal the decision, meaning Casilla will miss Saturday’s game against Hull City, and matches against Huddersfield Town (home), Cardiff City (away), Fulham (home),
Luton Town (home), Blackburn Rovers (away), Stoke City (home) and Swansea City (away). He has also been fined £60,000.
Casilla’s form had led to calls for him to be dropped during a difficult run of two wins in 12 matches, but he has come out of it with three consecutive clean sheets in as many matches, all won 1-0.
The 33-year-old is a Championship ever-present this season, and his 15 clean sheets are the most by a goalkeeper in the division.
Illan Meslier will deputise at Hull. The 19-year-old is on a season-long loan from Lorient and impressed on his debut at Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup, his only senior appearance.
In a statement acknowledging the ban, Leeds 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 matter was handled by an independent regulatory commission after a two-day hearing where players from both clubs gave evidence. The commission will publish its written reasons next week.
Leeds are second in the Championship with 11 games to play. They are five points ahead of third place, four behind leaders West Bromwich Albion. Two teams are promoted automatically, and one via the play-offs.