The Football Association (FA) is investigating an allegation of racist abuse directed at Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri during Saturday’s goalless draw against Preston North End at Deepdale.
Hannibal has accused Preston forward Milutin Osmajic of making a racist remark, a claim that Osmajic has “strongly refuted,” according to a club statement.
The Tunisian midfielder reported the incident immediately to referee Andrew Kitchen, and the FA is awaiting the official match report, expected on Monday, which will include details of the allegation.
Following the match, Hannibal took to Instagram, stating:
“I will not be silent about what happened. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person, but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch.”
Burnley have expressed full support for the 22-year-old, while Preston released a statement affirming Osmajic’s denial of the accusation.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Burnley manager Scott Parker said:
“He’s hurt. Everyone could see that at the time. Hannibal is an emotional player, and he was visibly very stressed by what was said. I don’t want to go into details, but he reported it, and he’s bitterly disappointed. We’ll see how things unfold in the coming days.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has reached out to Burnley to offer support, while anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out (KIO) commended Hannibal for reporting the incident promptly.
“Speaking up takes huge courage. We also commend the officials for following the correct protocols. We expect an investigation to be carried out swiftly and sensitively,” KIO said in a statement.
The two teams are set to meet again in the FA Cup fifth round on March 1 at Deepdale.
Osmajic, who now faces scrutiny over the allegations, previously received an eight-game ban in October for biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck. He admitted to the charge of violent conduct and was fined £15,000.
