Former Manchester United star and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has accused Preston forward Milutin Osmajic of racially abusing him during their Saturday meeting at Deepdale.
The game was delayed for several minutes in the second half after Hannibal reacted angrily to something Osmajic said to him.
The Carrington academy graduate ran to referee Andrew Kitchen, making him aware of the incident.
After the final whistle, Hannibal wrote on social media, “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.”
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
Burnley boss Scott Parker said in is post-match interview [via Sky Sports], “Something inappropriate was said to Hannibal which he reported.”
“You could clearly see he was very distressed and in that moment we tried to get some context into what exactly had happened because he was very emotional.”
“He explained to me what was said and at that moment we just wanted to work out how he was and where he was in his head space. It will go down to due process now.”
Burnely released a statement reading, “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 the comment who has registered the complaint. The club would like to thank the officials for their professional handling of the incident.”
“The club will continue to show its complete support to Hannibal and there will be no further comment made until the investigation has been completed.”
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
A Preston club statement after the match read, “Preston North End are aware of a complaint that has been made by Hannibal Mejbri and Burnley FC to today’s match officials with regards to an allegation of a comment made by Milutin Osmajic during today’s Sky Bet Championship fixture at Deepdale.”
“Milutin Osmajic has strongly refuted the claims of a comment made towards Hannibal Mejbri in a post-match meeting with today’s match officials.”
“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.”
“No further comment will be made at this time.”
Hannibal has been a key player for Burnley since leaving United last summer in a deal worth around £5.4million.
He has so far this term made 25 Championship appearances for the Turf Moor outfit, registering one assist in that period.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
