Burnley Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri Charged by FA Over Alleged Spitting Incident at Leeds Fans

Burnley Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri Charged by FA Over Alleged Spitting Incident at Leeds Fans

Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for allegedly spitting towards Leeds United supporters during a Premier League match at Turf Moor on 18 October.

The 22-year-old Tunisian international, who joined Burnley from Manchester United, is accused of spitting in the direction of away fans while warming up in the 67th minute — around 16 minutes before he entered the game as a substitute. Burnley went on to win the match 2-0.

An FA statement said:

“It is alleged the player acted in breach of the laws of the game and/or in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute. Hannibal Mejbri has until Friday, 28 November to provide a response.”

Lancashire Police confirmed they had launched an investigation following a complaint from a Leeds supporter. The force said it was working with Burnley FC to “establish the facts” surrounding the incident.

Mejbri was booked during stoppage time after coming on in the 83rd minute. The charge comes just over a year after a previous incident involving Leeds fans — when Mejbri appeared to taunt supporters at Elland Road during Burnley’s 1-0 Championship win last season.

Neither Burnley nor Mejbri has publicly commented on the FA charge.