The Football Association and Lancashire Police are investigating allegations that Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri spat at Leeds United supporters during Saturday’s Premier League match at Turf Moor.
Mejbri, who came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute and was later booked in added time, is accused of spitting at Leeds fans during Burnley’s 2-0 victory. Lancashire Police confirmed they are working with Burnley to establish the facts, while the FA is assessing whether to launch a formal investigation.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said that if Mejbri is found guilty, he faces a minimum three-match suspension. Previous cases include Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis receiving a five-match stadium ban for spitting on the floor, and El Hadji Diouf being fined £5,000 and banned for two European matches for spitting at a Celtic fan in 2003. More recently, Inter Miami's Luis Suarez was given an additional three-game ban for spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member.
Burnley have not commented on the matter, and Leeds are aware of the allegations. On the pitch, goals from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna secured the Clarets their second Premier League win of the season. Defender Kyle Walker praised the team’s performance, describing Tchaouna’s finishing in training as “unbelievable” and highlighting the contribution of substitutes.
