Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri faces investigation over alleged spitting incident in Premier League
Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, who plays for Burnley in the Premier League, faces an investigation following an allegation of spitting during the match against Leeds United on October 18, 2025, at Turf Moor.
Several witnesses and British media outlets reported that a supporter in the visitors’ section accused Mejbri of spitting towards opposing fans during the second half.
The claim immediately prompted authorities to open an inquiry into the alleged act.
Lancashire Police confirmed awareness of the situation involving the Burnley midfielder.
They stated that they are working closely with the club and relevant football authorities to clarify the events surrounding the incident.
The Football Association is also monitoring developments closely. Depending on the findings, it may decide to open a disciplinary case against the Tunisian international.
As of now, no sanction has been issued against Mejbri. However, if the allegations prove true, he risks a lengthy suspension, as spitting remains one of the most heavily punished offenses in English football.
No video evidence has yet surfaced to confirm or disprove the claim, leaving the situation uncertain.
Mejbri has not made any public statement regarding the issue, maintaining silence while the investigation continues.
Burnley, for its part, has refrained from issuing an official comment. Club officials have opted to cooperate fully with authorities before making any public remarks about the case.
The incident adds tension to an already delicate period for the 22-year-old midfielder. The controversy follows a separate case in which Mejbri filed a complaint over alleged racist abuse he experienced during an earlier fixture.
That case drew significant attention and sympathy from supporters and anti-racism advocates across English football.
The new allegations, however, threaten to damage the player’s image and could result in serious sporting and disciplinary repercussions.
If found guilty, Mejbri could face not only suspension but also reputational harm that might impact his standing within the club and national team setup.
Observers note that English football’s governing bodies treat spitting incidents with strict discipline.
Previous cases have led to multi-match bans and fines for offenders. The FA aims to maintain exemplary conduct among players to uphold the sport’s integrity and values.
For now, Burnley continues its league campaign amid growing scrutiny, while Mejbri’s future remains uncertain until the investigation concludes.
Supporters await clarity as authorities review match footage, witness statements, and reports from officials present at the game.
The case stands as a reminder of the high standards expected from professional footballers both on and off the pitch, with disciplinary integrity remaining a central pillar of the Premier League’s image.
