Kiko Casilla could be hit with a lengthy ban following an FA investigation into racism allegations

By @ed_mcintyre98

It is reported that Leeds United goalkeeper, Kiko Casilla, could be handed an eight to 12-match ban by the Football Association (FA) after an investigation into a racism incident.

The former Real Madrid goalkeeper was accused of racially abusing on-loan 20-year-old Charlton Athletic striker, Jonathan Leko, when the two sides faced each other in the Championship on September 28.

Claims of what the Spaniard said to Leko, who is on a season-long loan from West Brom, were reported to referee John Brooks after the game and were included in his official report, leading to the FA opening an investigation.

After speaking to both players and calling in lip readers and Spanish interpreters to determine what Casilla said, the Daily Mail report that that the FA have made a decision and are now considering giving the 33-year-old an eight to 12-match ban for his actions during Leeds’ 1-0 defeat at the Valley.

Reports suggest that the evidence against Casilla is strong. An official decision is expected to be announced on Wednesday.

If a 12-match ban is handed to Kiko Casilla, it would see him ruled out of action for the rest of 2019, until mid-January, delivering a major blow to the Whites’ promotion hopes.

Casilla has started in all 16 of Leeds' games this season in all competitions, picking up eight clean sheets. Marcelo Bielsa’s side currently sit in third in the Championship table on 25 points, just two points behind league leaders West Brom.