Hannibal Mejbri reportedly hurt after alleged comments from Preston's Osmajic.
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In a recent match that ended in a 0-0 draw between Burnley and Preston North End, an incident involving Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has drawn significant attention. The match, held at Deepdale, was overshadowed by allegations of verbal abuse directed at Mejbri by Preston’s Milutin Osmajic.
Burnley manager Scott Parker has come forward to discuss the emotional impact of the incident on his player.
Details of the incident
During the 56th minute of the game, footage captured Osmajic speaking to Mejbri, prompting the former Manchester United player to immediately approach the match official.
This quick action indicates the seriousness of the situation, as Mejbri sought to halt the game to address the alleged abuse. Following the match, Parker revealed that Mejbri was visibly upset and had reported the incident to the officials.
Parker’s response and support for Mejbri
In an interview with Sky Sports, Parker emphasized the importance of understanding the emotional dynamics of football. He stated, “I think something was said, I’m not going to go through the detail of what was said but something has been said to Hannibal and he has reported that.” Parker expressed his concern for Mejbri’s emotional state, noting that the player was hurt and needed support. He also addressed the reaction of Preston fans, who booed Mejbri when he was substituted, urging them to remain calm during heated moments.
Club’s official statement and ongoing support
Following the incident, Burnley Football Club released a statement acknowledging the alleged comment made to Mejbri. The club thanked the match officials for their professional handling of the situation and confirmed that they would continue to support Mejbri throughout the investigation. The statement read, “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.” This commitment to player welfare highlights the club’s stance against any form of abuse in football.
Mejbri, who joined Burnley from Manchester United last summer for approximately £5.4 million, has become an integral part of the team, making 25 appearances this season. As Burnley aims for a swift return to the Premier League, the club’s focus on player safety and emotional well-being remains paramount.
