A lot of Leeds United fans have responded to a video from The Valley purporting to show the aftermath of Kiko Casilla’s alleged use of racist language towards Jonathan Leko.
The video, taken from the stands, shows Casilla punch a corner clear (0:03) before Leko appears to look back at the Spaniard as if he has said something (0:08), and Macauley Bonne can be seen pointing at Casilla. (0:08)
Does this footage prove anything?
Yes
No
These Leeds fans, though, do not believe that this is conclusive proof that Casilla used a racist term.
You can quite clearly see the alleged incident and Bonne’s reaction to it here pic.twitter.com/eWfm6W07sl
— Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) March 3, 2020
Leko heard nothing at all. Didn’t flinch.
— Sparky (@Markford64LUFC) March 4, 2020
He’s done well saying something mid dive like
— Bradcousins (@Bradcousins5) March 3, 2020
His done well for only 2 people to hear.
— Adam Ross (@rossi_on) March 3, 2020
Only 2 people heard it?? Sounds like nonsense
— Al Barrie (@White_Rose_Al) March 4, 2020
Hardly conclusive is it?!
— Tim Pounder (@TimTipo213) March 4, 2020
You can see something has occurred. To say you can see it clearly is a bit of an over statement
— JBwhite32 (@BoockerJayson) March 4, 2020
That reaction could mean anything?? So in any game , every time a player and a goalkeeper square up there is a issue then …? Or is it been competitive..?
— jimmy crawford (@JamesAlfiej) March 4, 2020
I find it strange that..”he was heard to say, in a loud voice”, but yet only one actual person heard the words said.
— Graeme Myatt (@thegeeman65) March 4, 2020
Gosh! So there IS documented evidence. For goodness sake, that clip could be showing the exact opposite… Bonne spitting vitriolic comments at Kiko. NO evidence, ergo NO case to answer. It is commonsense. This verdict does Nothing to help potential racist reaction. #LUFC #ALAW
— Steve Courtney (@Coolhand6661) March 4, 2020
And lekos none reaction
— Macca (@bigmacca199) March 3, 2020
What do we think?
The video quality is not great, and while you can see Bonne reacting angrily, Leko barely moves. (0:08)
However, an independent commission has found Casilla to be guilty of using a racist term towards Leko, and the Spaniard will now be missing until the Whites play Barnsley in April.
In our opinion, though, this video is not conclusive proof that Casilla abused Leko, and it is certainly not as clear as the Daily Mail’s Amitai Winehouse claims.