Tunisian international Hannibal Mejbri has once again found himself at the center of controversy in England, not for his performances with Burnley FC, but for his behavior on the pitch.
The midfielder’s unsportsmanlike conduct during a recent match against Stoke City has ignited debates over his discipline and maturity.
Mejbri was shown a red card by referee Gavin Ward after making an inappropriate gesture toward an opponent, sparking questions about the player’s ability to control his emotions.
While his technical skills have earned him recognition, his temperamental lapses are threatening to overshadow his potential.
This incident is not the first time the “Carthage Eagles” midfielder has faced scrutiny for his actions on the field.
Known for his fiery temperament, Mejbri’s behavior often divides opinions among fans and pundits alike.
Some view him as a passionate player who wears his heart on his sleeve, while others see his actions as indicative of a deeper issue with self-discipline.
Ali Guesmi, a Tunisian journalist with Qatar’s “Al Araby” TV channel, offered his perspective on the matter when speaking to Foot Africa.
Addressing the question of whether Mejbri is a “bad boy” or a “bad seed,” Guesmi shared a nuanced view of the player’s situation.
“Hannibal is a talented young player with immense potential, but his attitude on the pitch sometimes works against him,” Guesmi noted.
“While his passion and determination are admirable, he needs to channel that energy constructively to avoid jeopardizing his career.”
Guesmi further emphasized the importance of strong mentorship and professional guidance to help Mejbri overcome these challenges.
“It’s crucial for him to have the right people around him—coaches, teammates, and advisors—who can guide him and help him mature as a professional,” he added.
Despite his setbacks, Mejbri remains a player with significant promise. His performances for both club and country demonstrate his skill and potential impact on the game.
However, unless he addresses the behavioral issues that continue to mar his reputation, his future as a top-tier professional may be in jeopardy.
The debate surrounding Hannibal Mejbri underscores the fine line between passion and recklessness in football.
Whether he emerges as a refined talent or succumbs to his temperamental flaws will depend largely on his ability to learn from his mistakes and embrace the discipline required at the highest levels of the sport.
Scott Parker slams Hannibal Mejbri after seeing red for vicious stamp on Stoke player – https://t.co/m3LFwvn82a#asfc #afcw #wearebarrow #bcafc #cufc #ctfc #spireites #colu #drfc #ftfc #gills #gtfc #mkdons #uts #ncafc #notts #pvfc #wearesalford #stfc #trfc #utg #efl #coyp…
— Fan Banter (@fan_banter) January 2, 2025