Athletic journalist delivers update on Casilla FA hearing, states which keeper likely v Reading
Athletic journalist Phil Hay has revealed that the FA has heard all the evidence in Kiko Casilla’s FA hearing.
However, they have still not delivered their verdict and he thinks that means that Casilla will start for Leeds today in the Championship game against Reading.
Hay added it was highly unlikely a verdict would be released ahead of the game today, delivering the updates on his personal Twitter account on Saturday morning.
The case over an allegation of racist abuse started on Wednesday, with BBC journalist Adam Pope saying that the outcome would most likely arrive on Thursday.
However, the fact the FA has still not delivered an outcome suggests that the case is not as clearcut as some pundits had suggested.
The thinking was that Casilla would receive a ban because Jonathan Leko’s allegation was being backed up by Charlton striker Macauley Bonne.
Casilla is relying on evidence from Eddie Nketiah and character references from current and former teammates.
Irrespective of the outcome, there would have been a window for Casilla to appeal, which would have left him free to play today.
However, we don’t know if Leeds would want to appeal or accept the judgement and move on if it went against Casilla.
It means Casilla should be available for selection today and will likely start, unless Marcelo Bielsa believes that the case will be weighing on his mind too much.
If Casilla is dropped, Illan Meslier will make his league debut.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Bye bye takeover’ – These Leeds fans react to update on QSI chairman from Guardian journalist