FA looks into allegation of racism towards Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri

The Football Association is looking into Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri’s allegation of racist abuse against Preston forward Milutin Osmajic during Saturday’s goalless Championship draw.

The stalemate at Deepdale was overshadowed by a second-half incident where a heated exchange between Osmajic and Mejbri left ex-Manchester United youth-team product Mejbri incensed.

Mejbri spoke to referee Andrew Kitchen before he carried on until being replaced in the 71st minute. The FA is aware of the incident and is looking into it ahead of a potential investigation being started, the PA news agency understands.

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

Tunisia international Mejbri later posted on his social media channels that he would “always call out racism”, but Preston released a statement which denied Osmajic had used racist language.

“I will not be silent about what happened,” Mejbri said on X and Instagram.

“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.”

A Preston statement on Saturday 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.

A post shared by Preston North End FC (@pnefcofficial)

“Milutin