Good Morning. It's Thursday 20th February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
D-Day for Casilla
Kiko Casilla reportedly had his hearing yesterday at St Georges Parky in relation to to alleged racist remarks made by the Spaniard shot stopper last September at Charlton. Unfortunately for the former Real Madrid star, the odds are stacked against him. Unlike a Court, where guilt must be proved, the FA will convict on probability. If the panel believe that Casilla may have said something, but have no proof; they can convict the 33 year old.
No wonder his form has gone from best in the Championship to worst over the last dozen games! Would it not have been better for Casilla to sort his head out, then return to first team action? In hindsight, knowing that a minimum six game ban was coming whether Casilla was guilty or not, would it have not have been a good idea to give Meslier some first team game experience between the sticks? The FA would not have gone to all these lengths if they thought Casilla was innocent, and with no evidence needed to convict, the only question left to answer is how many games will Casilla be banned for?
Whilst I believe there is no place for racism either on or off the field, you only have to compare whatever punishment is given to Casilla and compare it to Roy Keane's assault on Alfe Inge Haaland. Keane ended Haaland's career on purpose. It was premeditated. A few years later bragged about it in his auto biography. What punishment did Keane get? 5 game ban and a £150,000 fine.
Augustin must hit the ground running - Kevin Phillips
Former England Striker Kevin Phillips believes that Jean-Kevin Augustin can be a massive asset to Leeds in their promotion push, but he must hit the ground running.
I saw encouraging signs against Bristol City. He has got energy, he has got pace. I have seen signs that he could settle in and perform at this level. Unfortunately, he needs to hit the ground running because it is an area that has been a concern for Leeds this season and you cannot rely on midfielders and defenders to score the goals. He and Bamford have to step up.
Leeds create opportunities. You want your strikers chipping in with goals. He needs to get off the mark as soon as he can and being an ex-striker I know what a relief that is, it would give him huge confidence. If he can do that he can be the difference in terms of getting Leeds over the line.
I saw encouraging signs against Bristol City. He has got energy, he has got pace. I have seen signs that he could settle in and perform at this level.
Reading fans angry at Leeds ticket prices
Reading fans believe that Leeds have deliberately bumped up their away ticket prices knowing they won't be sold, so that they can re-sell them to Leeds fans. Leeds have faced criticism this season from supporters of rival Championship clubs who blame the lack of tickets sold on high prices. Berkshire journalist Jonathan Low added...
The EFL need to step in. They are the ones who need to address the issue. Leeds charge a lot of money for away fans but they are within their rights to because home fans pay the same amount to sit in that area of the stadium. However when it’s costing away fans almost double the amount for a ticket at Elland Road compared to promotion rivals West Brom, you know there is a problem".
Away fans also have to pay for travel and it’s not as if Reading are a nearby club so their fans will be out all day on Saturday, also paying for food and drink. As it’s Leeds, it would not be a shock if the EFL do intervene. Hopefully this latest round of publicity will help!