Lancashire Police have opened an investigation into an allegation of spitting against Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.
Mejbri, 22, who joined Burnley from Manchester United in 2024, was introduced 83 minutes into his side’s 2-0 win against Leeds United on Saturday.
Then, after the fixture, allegations emerged claiming that he had spat with Lancashire Police now “establishing the facts” around the complaint, as reported by The Athletic.
According to BBC Sport’s Adam Pope, it is alleged that the 22-year-old spat towards a Leeds fan. Pope later reported that the Football Association are “reviewing the incident”.
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A statement from the force read: “Lancashire Police are aware of an alleged incident involving a Burnley player during the second half of the Premier League game between Burnley and Leeds United at Turf Moor yesterday (October 18). We are currently working with Burnley Football Club to establish the facts.”
According to the IFAB Laws of the Game, which the FA enforce, spitting at an opponent or any person is classed as violent conduct. As per West Yorkshire Police's website, "spitting at a person deliberately will constitute an offence of assault. However, if it is accidental, it will not usually be deemed to be an offence".
Meanwhile, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg believes, if Mejbri is found to have deliberately spat, he could face at least a three-game suspension.
“The Football Association will interview players, fans and study available video before making any charges," Clattenburg told Leeds News.
“If charged, Hannibal could receive a suspension which the Football Association will determine, and I think will be at least three matches.”
Burnley’s victory against Leeds, thanks to strikes from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna, moved Scott Parker’s side out of the relegation zone into 17th while Leeds are 15th with eight points from as many games.
As per The Athletic, "Burnley also acknowledged the incident and reiterated it was working with the police to establish what has gone on", while the FA refused to comment.
FA precedent on spitting
There appear to be no historical examples of players spitting at fans in the Premier League but back in 2011, then-Wigan defender Antolin Alcaraz accepted a three-match suspension for spitting at an opponent.
As per BBC Sport, Alcaraz spat at Wolves defender Richard Stearman before a mass brawl ensued.
Another example occurred in 2003, when Liverpool winger El-Hadji Diouf was fined two weeks' wages after he spat at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup quarter-final at Parkhead. The former Senegal international was banned for two matches by UEFA and fined £5,000 by the Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Topics: Hannibal Mejbri, Leeds United, Premier League
Luke Davies