Show Racism the Red Card welcome ban for Leeds United keeper Kiko Casilla, commend Jonathan Leko and Macauley Bonne

Show Racism the Red Card have welcomed the eight-game suspension for Leeds United's Kiko Casilla but say the education he receives is the most important part of his FA sanction.
Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will undergo face-to-face education after being found guilty of using racist language by an independent regulatory commission (Pic: Tony Johnson)Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will undergo face-to-face education after being found guilty of using racist language by an independent regulatory commission (Pic: Tony Johnson)
Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will undergo face-to-face education after being found guilty of using racist language by an independent regulatory commission (Pic: Tony Johnson)

The Spaniard, who vehemently denies the allegation, was handed the ban, a £60,000 fine and obliged to attend face-to-face education after being found guilty of using racist language in a game against Charlton Athletic last September, by an independent regulatory commission [IRC].

The commission's findings were published yesterday and education charity SRtRC believes the length of the former Real Madrid goalkeeper's suspension shows how seriously the issue was taken by the game's authorities. The FA appealed for a 10-game ban due to what they saw as aggravating factors, including the 'exhaustive character evidence' given in Casilla's defence by 'high-profile names within football who had experienced racism and discrimination, and with whom he had links, in an effort to demonstrate that he would never engage in such conduct.'

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But the IRC did not accept that as an aggravating factor and, having agreed with the FA that Casilla was not a racist but had, on the balance of probability, used the n-word - a word whose existence he would deny knowledge of in his defence - towards Jonathan Leko, settled on an eight game ban.

A spokesperson for SRtRC said they welcomed the sanctions and also accepted that Casilla is not a racist, but believe educating the player will be key.

"Show Racism the Red Card welcome the FA decision to ban Kiko Casilla for eight games," said a spokesperson.

"The fact that the FA wanted a 10-game ban and the independent commission decided to increase the ban from the minimum of six games to eight games, suggests that the length of the ban was given serious consideration before being imposed.

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"An as educational charity, SRtRC consider that the most important element of the sanctions issued is the face to face education that Kiko Casilla will take part in. We accept the commission’s assertion that Casilla ‘is not a racist’ but firmly believe that education will allow him to fully understand the consequences and impact of the language that he [has been found to have] used."

Last night Charlton Athletic released a statement in which they said Leko and Macauley Bonne, a witness in the case against Casilla, had been abused on social media since the verdict had been reached.

SRtRC expressed support for both players and commended them for taking a stand.

"Sadly, we have seen the consequences in recent days as the two Charlton players involved in this unfortunate incident, Jonathan Leko and Macauley Bonne have both been subjected to abuse on social media," said a spokesperson.

"SRtRC stand shoulder to shoulder with them both and commend their stand against racism.”

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