Leeds director Edoardo Cellino suspended by Football Association
Wednesday 20 April 2016 12:11, UK
The son of Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has been suspended from all football-related activity for three matches and fined £5,000 following comments made on social media.
Edoardo Cellino, a director at Elland Road, became involved in an abusive row with a supporter on Facebook in March regarding his father's running of the club.
The Football Association said Cellino's charge included an "aggravated breach" as his comments included a reference to disability.
He had denied the charge but did issue a statement apologising, saying: "I would like to apologise for any offence that I have caused.
"After receiving a lot of abusive messages my emotions got the better of me and I reacted in a way that was unprofessional.
"I believe the messages were private but I know I should not have done this. I did not fully understand the severity of the words used as English is not my first language. Again, I can only apologise."
The FA confirmed he was contesting the misconduct charge and his case was heard by an independent disciplinary commission which found Cellino to be in breach.
A statement on the FA website said: "Edoardo Cellino has been suspended from all football and football-related activity until such time as Leeds United have completed three first-team matches in approved competitions and fined £5,000 following a breach of FA Rules.
"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 18 April 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.
