Burnley players were 'furious' after Preston 'reject request' immediately after racist abuse claim against Milutin Osmajic

Burnley players requested that Milutin Osmajic be substituted by Preston North End immediately after Clarets midfielder Hannibal Mejbri accused him of racist abuse, it has been reported.

The Lancashire derby between the two sides on Saturday was stopped in the 57th minute after Osmajic made a comment to Hannibal.

The Tunisia midfielder reported the alleged comment to the match referee and fourth official, as well as to Clarets manager Scott Parker, with the match resuming minutes later before ending in a 0-0 draw.

Preston North End released a statement after the match, stating that Osmajic 'strongly refuted the claims of a racist comment made towards Hannibal Mejbri in a post-match meeting with today's match officials'.

Burnley confirmed the alleged comment had been reported to officials 'during and after the game', and added: "The club will continue to show its complete support to Hannibal."

Hannibal Mejbri pictured during Burnley's 0-0 draw with Preston North End (Image: Getty)

The former Manchester United midfielder posted a statement to Instagram in which he accused Osmajic of racist abuse, writing: "I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it ... I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch."

The Sun's Alan Nixon reports that Osmajic was 'close to tears' before entering the officials' room before the post-match meeting, and denied the accusation made against him. SPORTbible have contacted Milutin Osmajic's representatives for comment.

It is added that, immediately following the accusation during the match, Burnley players requested that the striker be substituted by the home side at Deepdale.

Referee Andrew Kitchen pictured in discussion with PNE assistant Stuart McCall and Burnley boss Scott Parker at Deepdale (Image: Getty)

The report goes on to claim that North End assistant manager Stuart McCall - who was standing in for manager Paul Heckingbottom as he served a touchline ban - rejected the request.

Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley, who was stood further down the touchline before play resumed, was then seen throwing the ball at McCall from around 18 yards away, with Nixon reporting that this was in response to the decision not to substitute the Montenegro striker.

Osmajic would be later substituted on 77 minutes and replaced by fellow striker Emil Riis.

The FA confirmed to SPORTbible that they are 'aware' of the incident between Osmajic and Hannibal and are set to launch an investigation.

Both clubs stated, in their statements on Saturday, that they would be making 'no further comment' on the matter pending the outcome of an investigation.