Hannibal Mejbri Footage With Leeds Fans Emerges Amid Spit Allegation

Footage has emerged of an alleged incident involving Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and a section of Leeds United fans.

Mejbri, who was introduced in the second-half of Burnley's 2-0 win over Leeds on Saturday, is at the centre of a police investigation after he was accused of spitting at Leeds fans during the Premier League clash.

News of an allegation made against Mejbri surfaced after the full-time whistle at Turf Moor, and Lancashire Police confirmed it is "establishing the facts" around the complaint that was made by a Leeds supporter.

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)."

They added: "We are currently working with Burnley Football Club to establish the facts.”

Burnley, meanwhile, have acknowledged the incident and reiterated that it is working with the police to establish what happened. It is understood the FA is looking into the spitting allegation.

Since the complaint was made, footage relayed by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has emerged online. Smyth wrote on X: “Some footage of the incident being looked at by Lancashire Police and the FA.”

As seen in the clip below, Mejbri can be seen running near Leeds' away support, who appear to react to something the midfielder said or did. The footage is inconclusive.

Former Premier League referee speaks on incident involving Mejbri

Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League referee, believes that if the former Manchester United midfielder is found to have deliberately spat at the away support, then 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.”

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.