It has today been confirmed that Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been charged by the FA for allegedly racially abusing Charlton Athletic winger Jonathon Leko when the two sides met in the Sky Bet Championship back in September.
The news was confirmed earlier, and a tweet from Phil Hay, a Leeds United writer for The Athletic UK, posted these tweets:
It's a minimum six-game ban for Casilla if he has found guilty. Leeds say he's available for selection in the meantime. Process is likely to take a while to conclude.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) November 4, 2019
The former Real Madrid goalkeeper has denied the charges, and the Elland Road club have released a statement on their official website.
The statement reads:
“Leeds United Football Club acknowledges the charge from the FA today relating to Kiko Casilla and an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 during our Sky Bet Championship match with Charlton Athletic at The Valley in September.
Kiko strenuously denies the allegation and has proactively worked with the FA during their investigation to date.
The next step of this process will be a personal hearing, in the meantime Kiko will remain available for selection.”
Kiko Casilla has been a crucial player so far this season for Leeds United. Club captain Liam Cooper came out last week to say that the club owed Casilla for earning them a point at Sheffield Wednesday the Saturday prior.
As Phil Hay eluded to with the tweet that can be seen above, if Casilla is found guilty, he is likely to be banned for a minimum of six games.
Hay has already confirmed that the Spaniard will appeal the charge, and he has until next Tuesday to do so.
