Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been handed an eight-game ban and fined £60,000 after being found guilty of racially abusing Charlton forward Jonathan Leko.
The 33-year-old denied the charge but has been found guilty and also ordered to attend a face-to-face education session.
A Leeds statement read: "Leeds United acknowledges that Kiko Casilla has been found guilty of breaching FA Rule E3 during our Sky Bet Championship game with Charlton Athletic in September 2019.
"Casilla has been banned for 8 games following the verdict from the FA.
"We would like to make it clear that we do not tolerate any form of discrimination within our football club and we are a leader in the fight against discrimination within our wider community.
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"However, it is important to recognise that Kiko has always denied making any racist comment.
"The FA panel have based their decision on the balance of probability rather than proving Kiko to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt, which we have always believed is the more appropriate burden of proof."
The alleged incident dates back to September when Leeds beat Charlton 1-0.
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The FA launched a probe in September after Casilla was accused of an “aggravated breach” – “defined by making reference to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin” – when claims of what he said were reported to referee John Brooks and included in his official report.
Casilla was signed by Leeds from Real Madrid in January and quickly established himself as Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, he has come in for criticism from fans of late after some costly mistakes during their quest for Premier League promotion.
Leeds sit second in the table, four points behind leaders West Brom.
- Leeds United FC
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