The Football Association (FA) is reportedly looking into an alleged racist abuse of Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri during Saturday’s Championship game between Preston North End and Burnley.
Hannibal accused Preston forward Milutin Osmajic of racially abusing him during the second half of their goalless draw at Deepdale, with the former Manchester United midfielder left infuriated with the incident.
The 22-year-old immediately reported the incident to referee Andrew Kitchen, and the FA is reportedly expected to investigate the allegations following the submission of the official’s report on Monday.
Hannibal took to social media after the game to express his unhappiness with the “disgusting abuse”.
“I will not be silent about what happened. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
CLUB STATEMENT
Burnley Football Club is aware of an alleged comment made to Hannibal by Milutin Osmajic during our game against Preston North End which was reported to officials both during and after the game.
During the second-half Hannibal made referee Andrew Kitchen aware of… pic.twitter.com/6fMGjsGgM0
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 15, 2025
Preston, however, in a statement, revealed that Osmajic has “strongly refuted” the claim.
The club added: “The club would like to thank the match officials for the way they have handled the issue and will assist with the investigation until a conclusion has been found.
“In the meantime, the club feel it is unjust and inappropriate to post social media comments presuming guilt until there is the opportunity for a full investigation to take place. Preston North End utterly condemn any incidents of racism or discrimination wherever and whenever they occur, however Milutin Osmajić categorically denies the allegations made against him today.”
Osmajic was banned by the FA for eight games in October for biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck. The 25-year-old Montenegrin admitted the charge of violent conduct and was fined £15,000.
Burnley, meanwhile, has said they were “aware of an alleged comment” and would offer their full support to Hannibal.
The two sides will meet at Deepdale again in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, 1 March.
