BBC journalist posts update on Casilla hearing, states when outcome should be delivered
Kiko Casilla’s FA hearing has started today and the Leeds United goalkeeper is set to face a minimum six-game ban if found guilty of racist abuse tomorrow.
The hearing stems from an incident in the game against Charlton back in September.
Jonathan Leko is alleging that Casilla said something to him that had racial overtones and he is being backed up by striker Macauley Bonne.
Casilla is denying the allegation and is relying on evidence from lip readers, as well as testimony from Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah and his Leeds teammates.
The Telegraph had reported last week that his hearing would take place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
However, BBC journalist Adam Pope has said that it started on Wednesday and that the outcome should be known tomorrow.
Will he be found guilty?
It is thought that that given the balance of evidence and the way the FA works, that Casilla is likely to face a ban.
Bonne’s back-up evidence that Casilla said what Leko claims is going to be stronger than Casilla’s word or any of his character references.
Leeds chief Angus Kinnear has already said that the club is concerned about the standard of proof required by the FA. [Yorkshire Evening Post]
Talking on the Phil Hay Show, the Athletic journalist said, “Because there is support for [Jonathan] Leko’s claim from Macauley Bonne who is standing behind him and saying ‘yes he was racially abused’ it is likely that Casilla will get banned and if he is he’s looking at a minimum six-game ban.
“Because Leeds have been bracing themselves for a ban, that tells you it’s highly likely he’s going to get one.”
That’s not good for Leeds and if he is found guilty and the club accepts the FA decision then Casilla will be out of the team for the game against Reading on Saturday.
That would mean Illan Meslier making just his second senior appearance for the club after playing well in his debut against Arsenal.
Leeds only have 13 games left in the season so Casilla would miss around 50% at the minimum and could be banned for longer.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Who thinks that’s fair?’ – Aston Villa CEO makes ‘monstrous’ claim about Leeds & EFL at AGM