Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: Burnley, Preston North End, Hannibal Mejbri
Josh Lawless
Burnley players made an instant statement against Preston striker Milutin Osmajic after he was accused of making a racist remark to one of their teammates.
The two sides met in the FA Cup fifth round at Deepdale on Saturday lunchtime, less than two weeks after a goalless draw in the Championship.
But that on 15 February game was overshadowed by a racism allegation which Hannibal Mejbri made against Osmajic after an incident at the start of the second half.
Having been visibly distressed, the Tunisian reported the comment to the referee Andrew Kitchen, who was praised for the way in which he dealt with the matter.
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Both Burnley and Hannibal issued statements, leading to an FA investigation which hasn't yet concluded - meaning Osmajic was free to play in the FA Cup clash.
Hannibal was left out by manager Scott Parker but his teammates took a stand by refusing to shake hands with the striker prior to the game.
Osmajic extended his hand to opposition players but was completely blanked by every member of the Clarets starting XI.
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They shook hands with other players but made no effort to do so with Osmajic, who had to just walk past. He was seen laughing afterwards following the snubbing.
Speaking before the Lancashire derby Parker had admitted he had a tough decision as to whether Hannibal would feature in the clash and ultimately opted against selecting the former Manchester United player in the matchday squad.
"It is tough and one which I need to think hard and long on," Parker said in his press conference on Thursday.
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"Fundamentally I want to protect Hannibal, but then why should he miss out? That is a decision I will have to make.
"I will make the best decision that feels right for Hannibal, explaining the situation and seeing where he is comfortable. I will have those conversations on Friday morning."
Preston said that Osmajic "strongly refuted" claims of racial abuse. The investigation into the incident includes interviews with both players involves, as well as club staff and witnesses.
If found guilty, Osmajic is facing a suspension of at least six games. Earlier this season he was banned for eight games and fined £15,000 for biting Owen Beck’s neck in a game against Blackburn Rovers in September.