Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been charged by the Football Association for racially abusing Charlton’s Jonathan Leko.

An investigation was launched into the incident which occurred during the fixture at The Valley on September 28.

Referee John Brooks reported the incident to the FA and lip readers were used to determine what was said during the exchange between the 33-year-old former Real Madrid man and the 20-year-old Charlton attacker.

The charge carries a minimum of a six-game ban but Casilla has until November 12 to appeal or provide a response.

An FA statement published on Monday afternoon read:

“Kiko Casilla has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.

“It is alleged that, contrary to Rule E3(1), the Leeds United goalkeeper used abusive and/or insulting words towards a Charlton Athletic player during an EFL Championship fixture on 28 September 2019.

“It is further alleged that the words constitute an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in Rule E3(2), as they made reference to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin.”

Leeds United released a statement immediately after the charge was announced whereby the goalkeeper ‘strenuously denied’ the accusation.

The club’s full statement read:

Leeds United Football Club acknowledges the charge from the FA today relating to Kiko Casilla and an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 during our Sky Bet Championship match with Charlton Athletic at The Valley in September.

Kiko strenuously denies the allegation and has proactively worked with the FA during their investigation to date.

The next step of this process will be a personal hearing, in the meantime Kiko will remain available for selection.

READ:FA to investigate racial discrimination allegation from Charlton's win over Leeds