Tunisian international Hannibal Mejbri has alleged that he was subjected to racist abuse during Burnley’s goalless draw against Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday.
The 22-year-old midfielder reacted angrily during the match and later condemned racism in a strong social media statement.
During the encounter at Deepdale, Mejbri had a heated exchange with Preston forward Milutin Osmajić.
The Burnley player accused the Montenegrin of making racist remarks towards him, prompting Mejbri to call on the match referee to intervene.
The game was briefly halted before resuming and ultimately ending in a 0-0 draw.
“I Will Not Stay Silent”
Following the match, the former Manchester United midfielder took to social media to express his frustration, vowing to stand against racism.
“I will not stay silent today. I will always criticize racism when I hear or see it.
It is the only way to change things in sport and in society.
I am a strong person, but no one should have to experience such disgusting abuse on the field,” he wrote.
Burnley Backs Mejbri as Osmajić Denies Allegations
Burnley responded swiftly, issuing a statement on their official X account, confirming their support for Mejbri and stating that they had filed a complaint regarding the incident.
“The club will continue to show its full support for Hannibal and no further comment will be made until the investigation is complete,” the statement read.
Burnley manager Scott Parker also stood by Mejbri, acknowledging the emotional toll the situation had on him.
“He (Mejbri) is injured. I think everyone could see that at that point, Hannibal is an emotional player and he was obviously very stressed by what was said.
I don’t want to go into the details of what was said, I’m sure that will come out in due course,” Parker said.
Meanwhile, Preston North End issued their own statement, insisting that Osmajić strongly denied the allegations.
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.— Hannibal Mejbri (@HannibalMejbri) February 15, 2025
“Preston North End categorically condemns any incident of racism or discrimination, wherever and whenever it occurs, but Milutin Osmajić categorically denies the allegations made against him today,” the club stated.
Osmajić’s Disciplinary History
This is not the first time Osmajić has been involved in controversy.
In October, the Preston striker was handed an eight-match ban by the English Football Association (FA) for biting a Blackburn player.
He was also fined £15,000 (€18,000) for the incident.
The Football Association is expected to investigate the latest allegations, with both clubs awaiting the outcome of the inquiry.
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
