Leeds United fans face a somewhat jittery weekend ahead when it comes to the future of Kiko Casilla what with the former Real Madrid man facing an FA charge for using racist language.
That charge stems from an investigation by the FA after allegations made by Charlton’s on-loan striker Jonathan Leko that Casilla had used racist language towards him during Leeds’ loss at The Valley.
It is a charge that Casilla, formerly on the books at Spanish giants Real Madrid, strenuously denies. The Spanish stopper has until next Tuesday, November 12th, to formally respond to charges – it is thought that he will request a personal meeting in which to put forward his defence.
United are flying high in the Sky Bet Championship at the moment and much of that success has been built on the backbone of eight clean sheets from Casilla, who has been ever-present this season for the Whites.
Yet, it appears that the West Yorkshire club are making contingency plans just in case they suffer the worst-case scenario in seeing Kiko Casilla suffer what could be a lengthy ban. With only untested youngsters Kamil Miazek and Ilhan Meslier to fall back on, the Yorkshire Evening Post says that Leeds are due to fall back on a familiar place as saystemporary back-up in former Whites stopper Rob Green.
The YEP say that “the Whites have been linked with a move for Rob Green if they need cover for Kiko Casilla.” 39-year-old Green retired in May after a season on the books at Chelsea. He spent the 2016/17 season at Elland Road after signing on a free transfer from QPR. He went on to make 48 total appearances for the Whites, conceding 50 goals and keeping 15 clean sheets.
Green might be a safe short-term option for Leeds should Kiko Casilla face a ban from football stemming from the current allegations against him.
