Despite it being 2020 and humanity being more progressive and united as a species than ever, racism still thrives in both society and in football, and Jonathan Leko was sadly racially abused by a fellow player this season, and the West Brom youngster has released a statement.
Very powerful statement from Jonathan Leko after Kiko Casilla was found guilty of racially abusing him. Clear the PFA, Kick it Out and Show Racism The Red Card could have done more to support him #wba https://t.co/6u4Jk8A19T
— Joseph Masi (@JosephMasi_Star) March 4, 2020
The 20-year-old attacker was racially abused by Leeds United keeper Kiko Casilla in late September, with the FA only now just punishing the former Real Madrid shot-stopper for his despicable actions against Leko with the Spaniard receiving an eight-match ban as well as fined £60,000, yet Leko’s statement proved to be a worrisome one for future incidents with the winger confessing that the FA took too long to take action as well as criticising organisations Kick It Out and Show Racism The Red Card for a lack of support.
How many wins will we get on this month?
One/Two
Three
Four
Full house! All five
And West Brom fans on social media were fuming with these organisations for doing little to support Leko in a traumatic episode of his career.
Here’s what some Baggies fans had to say about Leko’s statement on Twitter…
That’s so upsetting. To say that he’d think twice about even reporting it if it happened again shows that they’re really not going about this correctly
— G-WBA (@LocalBaggiesFan) March 4, 2020
Shocking it has taken so long!! Especially when the FA wanted action taken against England players in Bosnia
— Chris Mason (@baggie2508) March 4, 2020
Could and should have…it’s all well and good them providing t-shirts etc for players to wear for publicity but they need to be there for them when it counts and they clearly haven’t.
— Gemma Downes (@gemmadowneswba) March 4, 2020
What will be point in players wearing Kick It Out tee shirts in the future when the FA and PFA cannot get their own houses in order. Would be utter embarrassment for players to wear those tee shirts with little support or backing from the Authorities
— Richard Downing (@rjdowning) March 4, 2020
I’m not surprised he feels like that. The FA report was very damming.
— Safiya Outlines (@SafiyaOutlines) March 4, 2020
Is it true though? I cannot believe the PFA refused to support Jonathan.
— Baggienickjg (@Baggienickjg1) March 4, 2020
Leko returned to the club earlier this year from Charlton after rupturing his ACL, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.