‘This isn’t the end of it’ – Exclusive: Paul Robinson delivers hardline verdict on FA charge
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 has said that Leeds must take their own disciplinary action against Kiko Casilla after the goalkeeper was found guilty on racism charges.
The three-man panel upheld the allegation made by Charlton player Jonathan Leko after an incident in the Championship game last September.
Casilla employed lip readers and former teammate Eddie Nketiah gave evidence at the hearing.
He was also backed up with character references from other teammates.
However, it has been decided that he was guilty of the offence and will now be banned for eight games starting immediately.
It means Illan Meslier will play tomorrow if Casilla doesn’t appeal and it is thought the club and player are going to accept it and move on.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said Leeds must do their bit now.
“This is a Leeds issue now because I think the club has to act too,” Robinson said.
“Yes, he’ll be banned by the FA but I think the club has a duty of care to look into it as well.
“They should have a disciplinary hearing themselves and they need to decide what’s going to happen.
“This FA ban isn’t the end of it, there’s going to be a knock-on effect. I would like to see the club act on it now.
“I’ve been disappointed about how long it’s taken. I don’t know the ins and outs of it but the case should have been heard at the earliest possible opportunity.
“It’s dragged on a long time and it’s been hanging over not just the player but the club as well.
“Having said that, now he’s been found guilty I’d like to see punishment and retribution form the club too because it’s unacceptable. You can’t be seen to have players doing that.”
Leeds have released a statement saying they acknowledge the guilty verdict but did question the burden of proof the FA use.
They re-iterated that Casilla denied all charges and the statement is as close to support as they could make.
It’s a very delicate case and Leeds must be seen to do the right thing without throwing the player under the bus if they truly believe there were extenuating circumstances.
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