David Ornstein shares new details about Casilla FA hearing, Nketiah involved

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is set to appear on Kiko Casilla's behalf in his FA hearing for racist abuse this week, according to David Ornstein.

Casilla's case is going to be heard by a three-man FA panel on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Leeds keeper facing a minimum six-game ban if found guilty.

The hearing stems from an incident in the game against Charlton last September when Jonathan Leko claims Casilla racially abused him.

He is being supported by Charlton striker Macauley Bonne at the hearing.

However, Casilla has consistently denied the charge and will do so again at the hearing, and he is also relying on the testimony of other players.

Athletic journalist David Ornstein has claimed that Nketiah, on loan at Leeds for the first half of this season, will testify on behalf of Casilla.

Thomas N’Kono, his goalkeeping coach at Espanyol, is also going to provide a statement.

Ornstein has claimed that six of Casilla's Leeds teammates will appear at the panel as well.

Leko's case has been strengthened by Bonne, his Charlton teammate who has said he also heard what Leko is claiming.

Telegraph journalist John Percy has claimed that Casilla has employed lip readers to defend him so it appears his defence is that Leko misheard what he said.

He is also gathering teammates to support him, with Nketiah set to appear at the panel.

That could be a real help to Casilla, who kept his first clean sheet in 12 games in the 1-0 win against Bristol City.

Getting closure on the incident will be good for Leeds United but the hope will be that Casilla is found innocent – both from a club and player perspective.

If Casilla is banned, number two Illan Meslier will step up but that would leave Leeds with just 18-year-old Elia Caprile as back-up.

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