Leeds United have said they're disappointed by the FA's decision to ban midfielder Jordan Stevens from all football and football-related activity for six weeks and fine him £1,200 for breaching FA betting rules.

The 19-year-old admitted to making 59 football bets worth a reported total of £510.12 between August 2018 and May 2019, five of which involved Leeds.

The ban, which begins with immediate effect, means Stevens cannot train with the club or interact with Whites players or coaching staff for the next six weeks.

In a statement on the club website, Leeds acknowledged the sanctions but suggested they felt it was excessive punishment.

The club’s chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “Whilst we fully recognise the importance of the FA's role in protecting the integrity of the game, we are hugely disappointed in the FA's choice of sanction.

“To prevent a young footballer from taking part in any football activities at such a critical period of his career is a disproportionate punishment following a foolish mistake from a young player.

“We are particularly disappointed that the sanction was determined by two former professional footballers who we hoped would have had a better understanding of the impact of their decision.”

The club added that they would support the teenager through this process and that he needed “educating on the dangers of outside influences and how to conduct himself as a professional footballer”.

The defensive midfielder joined Leeds from Forest Green Rovers in January 2018 and has made one appearance for the senior side.

The Verdict

Banning Stevens from all footballing activity, including interactions with player and staff, for six weeks seems like quite a harsh punishment.

It is understandable that the FA wanted to make a statement here and lay down a stern punishment to ensure that other young players take note but this seems slightly harsh for the 19-year-old.

You would hope that Stevens can learn from his punishment and that his six-week absence will not have a negative impact on his career.