This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United have been performing well on the pitch this season, currently on top of the Championship table following the weekend win over Barnsley.

Off the pitch, though, there is room for improvement following the news that midfielder Jordan Steven has been banned by the FA from all football activity for six weeks for breaking FA betting rules.

The charges alleged that Stevens, 19, placed 59 bets on football matches between August 6, 2018, and May 27, 2019 and according to former Whites fullback Danny Mills speaking to Football Insider, the punishment is justified as Stevens would have been fully aware of the rules regarding betting.

So is Mills right regarding his comments on the Stevens punishment?

We discuss...

Louie Chandler

"I think it is fair enough.

"On the whole, I think the rules regarding football players and betting are a bit harsh themselves, but in terms of the FA's enforcement of the rules, it is fair.

"Yes, training away from the team for the period could damage him but it could also prove to be the making of him.

"But regardless, he broke rules regarding betting and deserves to be punished. The FA should now be judged on whether they are consistent with those punishments from here on."

Dean Cooke

"I think you have to really back the FA punishment, they have to stand up and be firm when it comes to this sort of thing.

"If he's betting on the team that he plays for, then he obviously has added knowledge ahead of the fixtures, regarding injuries etc.

"Danny Mills is right in my opinion and the punishment is fair as it sends a strong message."

George Harbey

“I’m not so sure about Mills backing the punishment at all.

“Stevens has clearly made a mistake and should be punished like many footballers have been over the past couple of years.

“But isolating him from the game and completely freezing him out cannot do him the world of good at all, especially as he’s unsettled as it is.

“It was a big step for him making the move from Forest Green to Leeds as a youngster, and I feel that he should have been given more support on this one.”