Hannibal in 'good place' after alleged racism incident

Hannibal Mejbri (left) joined Burnley from Manchester United in August 2024

Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri is in "a good place now" following an allegation of racist abuse against Preston forward Milutin Osmajic, says Clarets boss Scott Parker.

Saturday's goalless draw 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.

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.

"He is all right, he is in a good place," Parker told BBC Sport. "Han was disappointed from the weekend and we stayed close to that situation with him.

"He is in a good place now, trained really well over the last couple of days and that process is active now and taking place. We will see what happens from there."

The Football Association is investigating the incident, while Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has also contacted Burnley to offer its support.

"[We are] Sticking close to the situation with Hannibal and making sure he is in a right frame on a psychological element," added Parker.

"I have never experienced the association of what happened at the weekend and the allegation is a first for me. For someone so young like Hannibal, I am conscious of making sure he is fine and it was probably a shock to him as well.

"That pastoral care towards him is paramount."

Osmajic 'upset' and 'did not sleep' after allegation

Preston earned a point against Millwall in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night and manager Paul Heckingbottom was asked about the allegation made by Hannibal after the game.

Heckingbottom said Osmajic, 25, was "upset" and "did not sleep" on Saturday, adding: "We have to show the incident the importance that it deserves and one thing I have been disappointed about is all the nonsense that has been put online and everywhere.

"I am not getting involved in it and we have told everyone in the club not to get involved in it."

Lancashire Police told BBC Sport on Tuesday that they had "received a report of racist behaviour from within the crowd" following the conclusion of the game.

They added in a statement: "Since the report, a number of enquiries have been conducted. No arrests have been made."

However, the force did not make it clear whether their enquiries are still ongoing or if the investigation into the report has been concluded.

Will both players feature in FA Cup match?

Preston host Burnley in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, 1 March and BBC Sport understands the FA's process into the allegation is unlikely to be finalised by then.

Asked if he would consider not playing Hannibal in that fixture, Parker said: "It is not something I have thought about and I have not had them conversations with Hannibal.

"I don't see that being the case but certainly one that I will need to touch on with Hannibal closer to the time."

Parker also said "there may be some dialogue" with Preston closer to the time.

In 2019, the FA increased the minimum ban for anyone found guilty of racist abuse to six matches.

In November, Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was given a seven-match domestic ban by the FA and fined £100,000 for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min.

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 also fined £15,000.