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London, Feb 28, 2020 (AFP) - Leeds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was hit with an eight-match suspension on Friday after he was found guilty of using racist language towards a Charlton player.

Casilla had denied the charge but an independent regulatory commission found the breach proven.

The Spaniard was also fined £60,000 and ordered to attend face-to-face education.

Casilla was alleged to have made the discriminatory comments towards Charlton's Jonathan Leko during the Championship match at the Valley on September 28.

His suspension is big blow for Leeds as they fight to win promotion to the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa's side are second in the table, four points behind leaders West Bromwich Albion and five ahead of third placed Fulham, with the top two going up automatically.

A statement from Leeds 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.

"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.

"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."

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