FootyChatter.com

Hannibal Mejbri joined Burnley from Manchester United in August 2024 Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has accused Preston forward Milutin Osmajic of racially abusing him during Saturday's goalless draw in the Championship at Deepdale. The match was delayed for several minutes in the second half when the Tunisian reacted furiously to something that appeared to be said to him by Osmajic and Hannibal then spoke at length to referee Andrew Kitchen. In a post on Instagram, former Manchester United player Hannibal said: "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. " Burnley said they were "aware of an alleged comment" and would offer their full support to the 22-year-old. Preston said Montenegro international Osmajic "strongly refuted" claims of a comment made towards Hannibal. Burnley said the alleged incident was reported to officials during and after the game and referee Kitchen has registered the complaint. In a statement, Preston said: "Milutin Osmajic has strongly refuted the claims of a comment made towards Hannibal Mejbri in a post-match meeting with today's match officials. " Club sources have told BBC Sport a Preston player approached the Burnley changing room at full-time to check on Hannibal's wellbeing. Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford posted: "Kick it out, no place for that in football" on social media after the match. BBC Sport has approached the Football Association (FA) for comment. Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Burnley boss Scott Parker said: "He's hurt. I think everyone could see that at the time, Hannibal's an emotional player and he was visibly very stressed by what was said. "I don't want to get into the real details of what was said, I'm sure it'll come out in due course. Hannibal's reported it and is bitterly gutted really so we'll see what happens in the coming days. " The two sides will meet at Deepdale again in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, 1 March. In October, Osmajic was banned for eight games by the FA for biting Blackburn's Owen Beck. He admitted the charge of violent conduct and was fined £15, 000. The stats behind Burnley's 1, 000 minutes without conceding Burnley extend clean sheet record in Preston derby draw Latest Burnley news, analysis and fan views Get Burnley news sent straight to your phone 'He can smell danger' - is Merino Arsenal's striker solution? Hat-trick hero Marmoush can ease burden on Haaland 'Sad day for tennis' - Sinner doping ban 'leaves sour taste' The tale of a billionaire family, stolen relics and fake treasure A scholar turned sleuth hunts stolen relics, exposing a scandal of biblical proportions Preview intense new crime drama, coming soon to BBC i Player DI Ffion Lloyd returns home to lead a murder investigation that mirrors a historic case The company that revolutionised British television From the late 1950s to the early 1980s, ITC produced an incredible catalogue of shows A brand new DI lands on Saint Marie Londoner Mervin Wilson ruffles some feathers as he clashes with the island’s way of life 'He can smell danger' - is Merino Arsenal's striker solution? Hat-trick hero Marmoush can ease burden on Haaland 'Sad day for tennis' - Sinner doping ban 'leaves sour taste' The stats behind Burnley's 1, 000 minutes without conceding £1. 5bn spent & no striker in sight - how did Chelsea get here? As two English coaches meet in France - should more go abroad? The 1, 000-winner jockey who's allergic to horses Scholarship, hardship and an English rugby divide How does Daniel Levy run Tottenham - and would he ever leave? Sutton's predictions v The Wombats drummer & Everton fan Dan Haggis 'Goodison was never going to go quietly - but this was something else' Celtic take German lessons to avert 'absolute thumping' What has derby drama done to title race? Champions Wigan the hunted as Super League returns Europe's best title race? The 'chaos' of 2. Bundesliga Who could replace Gatland as next Wales head coach? Man City's lack of belief and ageing team exposed by ruthless Real Madrid 'Like a Jason Bourne movie' - how Afghan women's team fled Taliban Super Bowl win sees Mailata complete 'greatest story in football' End of a dynasty? What next for the Chiefs after Super Bowl blowout? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.