Exclusive: Pundit explains why Kiko Casilla hasn’t apologised to Jonathan Leko
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson does not see Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla apologising to Jonathan Leko over racially abusing the West Brom forward back in September.
Casilla, 33, was hit with an eight-match ban by the FA in February after it was found that he called Leko, 21, the N-word when he was on loan at Charlton last year.
In the aftermath of the FA’s verdict, Casilla maintained his innocence and Leeds United opted to stand by their goalkeeper.
However Leeds and Casilla have faced criticism since the FA’s findings were published because neither of them have offered any kind of apology to Leko, who worryingly suggested he wouldn’t bother reporting racist abuse again after how he was treated during the ordeal.
A source close to Casilla’s situation at Elland Road told the Daily Mail earlier this month that it is “disgraceful” and “deplorable” that no one from Leeds has reached out to Leko.
Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta has released been quoted as saying he is “proud” of how Casilla has conducted himself since being banned, leading to an angry response from sections of the Elland Road faithful.
Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Robinson does not see Casilla ever saying sorry to Leko as long as he maintains his innocence and has called for an end to discussions about the ugly incident.
“He still believes he’s innocent. that’s why he doesn’t feel the need to apologise,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“I find it frustrating that it’s still going on and on. It’s been dealt with, everybody’s had their say on the punishment.
“I think Orta was more impressed with the way he’s handled himself at the training ground and being there to support Meslier as an experienced pro. I don’t think he was referring directly to what he was banned for, it’s for the way he’s been conducting himself, his professionalism, his attitude.”
Some people won’t be happy until Casilla apologises.
After reading the FA’s findings, it is hard to believe that Leko wasn’t racially abused so until Casilla offers out an olive branch, we don’t see this topic dying down for quite some time.
In other Leeds United news, Jim White has shared what a Premier League insider has told him about the Government’s stance on restarting the season.