Former Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is accused of spitting at Leeds supporters during Burnley’s 2-0 victory at Turf Moor.
The Football Association and Lancashire Police are both looking into claims Hannibal Mejbri spat at Leeds United supporters during his side’s 2-0 victory on Saturday. The former Manchester United player – who came on after 83 minutes – is facing up to accusations of spitting following the game at Turf Moor.
And The Manchester Evening News understands that the FA are looking into those claims before deciding on whether to launch a formal investigation. Lancashire Police have also confirmed that they are currently working with Burnley to “establish the facts.”
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 on Saturday 18th October. We are currently working with Burnley Football Club to establish the facts.”
Burnley have not commented on the matter, while Leeds are aware of the allegations. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg believes that if the former United man is found to have spat at Leeds fans, then he will face a minimum suspension of three games from the FA.
“If charged, Hannibal could receive a suspension which the Football Association will determine, and I think will be at least three matches,” he told Leeds News.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was hit with a five-match stadium ban last year after spitting on the floor as the match officials walked past following his club’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Fulham at the City Ground.
Back in 2003, El Hadji Diouf was found guilty of spitting at a Celtic supporter and was, subsequently, charged with assault. The former forward was fined £5,000 and banned for two European matches by UEFA after pleading guilty in a Scottish court.
And, earlier on this year, Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez was given an additional three-game ban for spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member. Major League Soccer handed the former Liverpool man the ban after he grabbed Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas before spitting on security director Gene Ramirez.
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2025-10-20 18:15:05
