Leeds United

Leeds United director Edoardo Cellino banned from football for three games

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 20 April 2016

Leeds United director Edoardo Cellino is banned from all football-related activity for three games following his comments on social media.

Leeds United director Edoardo Cellino has been banned from all football-related activity for three games following comments that he made on social media.

The son of Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has been punished by the Football Association after reportedly calling a supporter a "moron" and a "spastic" during a private exchange on Facebook last month.

Edoardo later apologised and claimed that he did not understand the "severity" of his words because English is not his first language.

Now the FA has stepped in to ban the director from football for the duration of three games, which include Championship matches against Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Preston North End.

A statement from the FA read: "It was alleged social comments made by the Leeds United director were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper in contravention of Rule E3(1). It was further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) was an 'Aggravated Breach' as defined in Rule E3(2), as it included a reference to disability.

"The charge, which Mr Cellino denied, was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Monday April 18, 2016.

"As well as having to serve his suspension with immediate effect, Mr Cellino was also warned as to his future conduct and must complete an education course within four months."

Cellino has also been fined £5,000.