Burnley players collectively declined to shake hands with Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic during an FA Cup game, demonstrating solidarity with their teammate Hannibal Mejbri, who had accused Osmajic of racial abuse in an earlier Championship encounter.
The incident traces back to a previous league match where Mejbri reported being racially abused by Osmajic.
Following that game, Mejbri took to social media, stating, “I will not be silent about what happened today. 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.”
Preston North End responded with a statement asserting that Osmajic “strongly refuted” the allegations. The English Football Association has since initiated an investigation into the matter.
The tension from these allegations carried over into the FA Cup tie. During the customary pre-match handshakes, Burnley players intentionally bypassed Osmajic, who, recognizing the situation, withdrew his hand and proceeded without interaction.
Mejbri, though fit, was omitted from the matchday squad by Burnley manager Scott Parker, who cited a desire to “protect” the player’s well-being amid the ongoing investigation.
The match concluded with Preston securing a 3-0 victory, marking their first advancement to the FA Cup quarter-finals since 1966.
Osmajic played a pivotal role, scoring Preston’s second goal. His celebration, which involved cupping his hands to his ears, was perceived as a provocative gesture towards the Burnley supporters.
Burnley’s defensive performance was notably below their usual standards, a factor that contributed to their first defeat in 24 matches.
