Responding to an insightful piece from the Athletic journalist Phil Hay, many Leeds United supporters have been divided over the discussion of goalkeeper Kiko Casilla’s eight match ban for racially abusing Charlton Athletic forward Jonathan Leko.
Last week, the 33-year-old was banned for eight games and fined £60,000 for directing a racist comment towards Leko at the Valley back in September – with heated debate between sections of the Leeds fan base since ensuing as a result of Hay’s insight surrounding the saga.
Casilla, who denied the charge, also has to attend a face-to-face education session. The goalkeeper, who has played all but one of the Whites’ Championship fixtures this season (WhoScored), will seemingly be replaced by loanee Illan Meslier for the duration of his ban – with Marcelo Bielsa’s side looking on the cusp of promotion and sitting five points clear of third placed Fulham in the automatic spots.
As a result of Hay’s update surrounding the ban, many Leeds fans have been split – with a couple of supporters claiming that he ‘shouldn’t play for us again‘ while others hint that he may need ‘guidance‘ following his actions. Here’s what they had to say on Twitter.
Everyone knows that word & if people say they don’t then I think they are lying. It’s a shame that the players who reported this are getting abuse, they should be supported through this period. I also think Kiko needs support and guidance through this time #LUFC #LeedsUnited
— Leeds Leeds Leeds (@LeedsLeedsLee16) March 4, 2020
I’m sorry but if he has said that. He should not play for us again. #SayNoToRacism
— Josef (@lufcjoseff) March 4, 2020
Baffled at how many people are defending him after the report. If it were a Leeds player who was racially abused in the same manner everyone would be going for the player who did it. Bit of perspective
— . (@LUFC_Brandon_) March 4, 2020
Shouldn’t play for Leeds again
— Damon Chandler (@damonlufc88) March 4, 2020
He will put this behind him and so will the club..after the ban he will most probably return to first team action..Bielsa will see to that
— Mark P Makey (@markpmakey) March 4, 2020
his defence is out of the wayne hennessey playbook. i’m all for supporting the players but this issue is bigger than club loyalty. it doesn’t make you a better leeds fan to blindly back kiko in this instance
— Nick Elliott (@NickElliott91) March 4, 2020
Should Casilla be allowed to play for Leeds again? Join the discussion by commenting below…
