Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was allegedly subjected to abuse from Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic during their goalless draw at Deepdale on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the 56th minute of the match when Osmajic was seen speaking to Mejbri, who immediately approached the match official to request the game be halted.
The 22-year-old former Manchester United player was visibly affected by the exchange, leading to discussions with manager Scott Parker on the touchline.
Burnley FC have confirmed they are investigating an alleged comment made to Mejbri, which was reported to officials both during and after the match.
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was allegedly subjected to abuse from Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic during their goalless draw at Deepdale on Saturday
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Scott Parker revealed the impact of the incident on his player, telling Sky Sports: "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 and the officials have taken down what was reported."
The Burnley manager described Mejbri as deeply affected by the exchange.
"The boy was hurt at that moment in time and he was emotional," Parker said.
Parker spoke with Mejbri to "find out exactly what was said" following the incident.
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I will not be silent about what happened today.
— Hannibal Mejbri (@HannibalMejbri) February 15, 2025
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.
The exchange led to a tense atmosphere at Deepdale, with Preston fans later booing Mejbri when he was substituted.
Parker praised the match officials' handling of the situation during the heated atmosphere.
"The officials did a brilliant job in terms of what happened," he added.
"It's difficult in a stadium full of people and what took place, no one heard that."
The Burnley manager explained his efforts to defuse tensions when Preston supporters booed Mejbri.
"There is no real understanding sometimes of situations," Parker said. "I get the emotion of games and sometimes you need to sit down and have a little think.
"At that moment everyone is heated, including fans, and I was just trying to say calm down."
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Burnley Football Club released a statement acknowledging the alleged comment made to Mejbri during the match.
"The Club would like to thank the officials for their professional handling of the incident," the statement read.
The club confirmed that Mejbri reported the comment to referee Andrew Kitchen during the second half.
Hannibal Mejbri was allegedly targeted during Burnley's draw with Preston on Saturday
PA
Burnley emphasised their "complete support" for Mejbri as the investigation continues.
Mejbri joined the Clarets from Manchester United last summer in a £5.4million deal, signing a four-year contract.
The midfielder has become an integral part of Parker's squad, making 25 appearances this season as the club pursues promotion to the Premier League.
