Jonathan Leko has released a statement regarding the racial abuse he suffered from Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. The 20-year-old has hit out at the FA and indeed, anti-racism platforms for the lack of support he has received.
Casilla was found guilty by an independent regulatory commission for racist comments made towards Leko while he was on loan at Charlton (via BBC Sport). The incident took place in September when the two sides played out a Championship match at The Valley.
Despite denying knowledge of the insult he had used, Casilla was fined £60,000 and banned for eight matches as punishment (via BBC Sport). However, the process to get to this verdict took 22 weeks and both Leko and West Brom fans are gravely disappointed.
Leko has released an independent statement regarding the incident and states he feels ‘let down’ by the lack of support he received from anti-racism bodies such as Kick It Out (via CNN).
Albion fans have arrived in force to support their player, with many joining him in criticising the ‘shambolic‘ turn of events. One fan has suggested making up a banner in support of Leko to display at West Brom’s next game.
https://twitter.com/kroviXpereira/status/1235269635827732482?s=20
It feels like Jonathan Leko has been made to feel he has done wrong, in reporting this racist so called fellow footballer , and to take 6 months is absolutely ridiculous @FA need to get a grip and @PFA shambolic, too many times this goes on and still dont learn
— Andy Purslow (@Ardbaggie) March 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/BaggieFrom/status/1235366003195940866?s=20
https://twitter.com/MarkAbel_28/status/1235326257283424257?s=20
It's good to see the majority of the Leeds fans on here now calling for Casilla to be sacked and supporting Leko. Shame there are still those that refuse to believe their goalkeeper could have done anything wrong.
Forget teams, forget allegiance. Racism is racism. #wba #lufc
— Adam Townsend (@Adam_Townsend) March 4, 2020
I think Leko’s statement highlights the need for an independent review in football to racism and how it’s dealt with. To have no contact off kick it out and the way the FA have treated him is a disgrace. The whole system needs changing, embarrassing
— Jay Jones (@JayJonesWBA) March 4, 2020
West Brom fans, what are your thoughts on Jonathan Leko’s statement? Let us know below…
