In a distressing turn of events at Deepdale, former Manchester United prodigy and current Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has levelled serious accusations of racial abuse against Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic. The incident, which occurred during Saturday’s Championship fixture, has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a tightly contested goalless draw.
The match was temporarily halted in the second half when Mejbri, visibly distressed, approached referee Andrew Kitchen to report the alleged abuse. The Tunisia international, who has been a pivotal figure for Burnley since his £5.4 million move from Old Trafford last summer, took to social media after the match to address the situation.
“I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it,” Mejbri declared. “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.”
Burnley manager Scott Parker, speaking to Sky Sports, provided insight into the immediate aftermath of the incident: “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.”
Parker added, “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.”
The Clarets swiftly issued a statement confirming their awareness of the alleged comment and pledging full support to Mejbri. They commended the officials for their professional handling of the situation and stated that no further comment would be made until the investigation concludes.
Preston North End responded with their own statement, acknowledging the complaint while noting that Osmajic “strongly refuted the claims” in a post-match meeting with officials. The club expressed gratitude to the match officials for their handling of the issue and committed to assisting with the investigation.
This incident has reignited discussions about racism in football, a problem that continues to plague the sport despite numerous campaigns and initiatives. It also highlights the challenges faced by players like Mejbri, who at just 20 years old, find themselves at the centre of such controversies.
Mejbri’s journey from Manchester United’s acclaimed academy to becoming a key player for Burnley has been marked by his tenacity and skill. This season alone, he has featured in 25 Championship matches, providing one assist and demonstrating the potential that made him such a highly-rated prospect at Old Trafford.
As the football community awaits the outcome of the investigation, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to eradicate racism from the beautiful game. It also underscores the importance of supporting players who have the courage to speak out against discrimination, ensuring that football remains a sport for all, free from the scourge of racial abuse
