As a Leeds supporter, I haven’t had much to crow about over the years. On the rare occasion things seem to be going well, something always seems to come along and mess things up – more often than not, not directly related to football.

The latest interruption to a bit of potential success, is sadly a worrying and serious one. As seems to be occurring all too regularly in football nowadays, racism has lured its ugly head.

However, unlike other stories involving this hate crime, the supporters are thankfully not involved.

Leeds United’s Spanish goalkeeper, Kiko Casilla, has been accused of racially abusing a Charlton Athletic player during a recent match.

The football club and FA are currently investigating, although a verdict is yet to be reached.

Despite this, an “exclusive” on the racism story was published on Saturday – ironically by everyone’s favourite politically incorrect rag The Daily Mail.

The accusation, of course, must be treated extremely seriously. Unlike The Daily Heil, I won’t be speculating on the events. I have also decided to not to provide a link to the story.

I am content to allow The FA to carry out their investigation. As for the verdict, assuming Casilla is found guilty of racism, with indisputable evidence against him, he will be banned for a large number of games.

I am of the belief, and reading social media, many fellow Leeds fans agree; that should there be a guilty verdict, the player should be sacked with immediate effect.

There is no place for racism in football and although a ban would see the accused not playing for Leeds, for a very long time; I do not feel it would be right for him to return after he has served his ban.

If you or I were to racially abuse a colleague, associate or customer at work, we would be sacked – and rightly so. Why should footballers be an exception to the rule?

On the other hand, should Casilla be found not to have committed an act of racism, the club and supporters need to fully support him, in moving on from the accusations, which would no doubt have affected him mentally.

I would also like to see Leeds United sue The Daily Mail for Saturday’s article, which would clearly have been lies. Remember, this is IF he is found NOT GUILTY.

Thankfully, Leeds beat QPR this weekend, meaning that at least things are going well from the football side of things.