Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has become a powerful voice in the fight against discrimination in football after reporting racial abuse during a Championship match against Preston North End. His actions led to a full investigation by The Football Association (FA) and ultimately resulted in a substantial suspension for Preston striker Milutin Osmajic. The incident not only highlighted Mejbri’s personal courage but also reinforced the importance of accountability and reporting discrimination within professional sport.
This article on Odds96 explains what really happened in the incident involving Mejbri, detailing the actions, consequences, and official disciplinary ruling.
How the Incident Started
On 15 February 2025, Burnley faced Preston North End in an EFL Championship match at Turf Moor. The game ended in a goalless draw, but what happened during the second half became far more significant than the result. According to multiple verified reports from Sky Sports, The Guardian and Reuters, Burnley star Hannibal Mejbri informed referee Andrew Kitchen that Preston striker Milutin Osmajic had directed a racially abusive remark toward him.
Mejbri handled the situation calmly and professionally. Instead of reacting emotionally, he immediately reported the incident through the correct channels on the pitch. Burnley staff supported him as formal procedures were put into motion.
After the match, Mejbri issued a short public statement on social media, saying: “I will not be silent. Calling it out is the only way we change as a sport and a society.”
Those words became symbolic of his stance, refusing to allow discriminatory behaviour to be ignored or normalised.
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FA Investigation and Final Verdict
Following his report, the FA opened an investigation under FA Rule E3, which covers abusive, insulting, or improper language. Because the allegation involved a reference to race, the case was treated as an aggravated breach, which carries stronger sanctions if proven.
After gathering statements from match officials, club representatives and involved players, the FA concluded that the allegation made by Mejbri was supported by the available evidence. On 7 November 2025, the FA officially announced the outcome.
Milutin Osmajic received a nine-match suspension, a £21,000 fine, and was ordered to complete an education programme focused on discriminatory behaviour as part of the FA’s disciplinary ruling. This is one of the strictest punishments issued in recent Championship seasons for racial misconduct.
While Preston North End stated that Osmajic denied the allegation, the club confirmed it respected the FA process and reaffirmed its position against discrimination of any kind.
Kick It Out Praises Hannibal Mejbri
Following the FA ruling, Kick It Out – football’s leading anti-discrimination organisation – released a public statement recognising Mejbri’s courage.
Their statement said that Mejbri showed “immense bravery” in choosing to speak up and highlighted that he demonstrated what real leadership looks like on and off the pitch. Kick It Out also noted that change in football begins with individuals who are willing to take a stand, adding:
“Everyone has a responsibility in standing up to discrimination, but Hannibal has shown others how we can make football a safer and more welcoming game for everyone.”
The support from Kick It Out underscored that raising concerns about discriminatory behaviour should never be viewed as controversial, but rather as necessary.
Conclusion
Hannibal Mejbri’s courage serves as a reminder that progress in football does not only come from new rules and campaigns, but from individuals who decide that silence is not an option. By speaking up, he showed that accountability is possible and that discriminatory behaviour will not be ignored.
The FA’s ruling, combined with the support from Kick It Out, demonstrates that football is taking these issues more seriously than ever. Mejbri did more than defend himself – he stood up for every player who may face discrimination in the future. We at Odds96 always stand against discrimination. We do not promote or tolerate any behaviour that disrespects others.
FAQs
1. What exactly happened during the Burnley vs Preston match?
Hannibal Mejbri reported that Preston striker Milutin Osmajic made a racially abusive comment toward him during the second half of the match on 15 February 2025.
2. What action did the FA take?
Osmajic received a nine-match suspension, a £21,000 fine and was required to attend an education course.
3. What did Kick It Out say?
Kick It Out praised Mejbri for his courage and said he demonstrated how speaking up can make football safer.
4. Did Preston North End accept the decision?
The club stated that Osmajic denied the allegation but confirmed they respected the FA’s decision and opposed discrimination.
5. Why is Mejbri being praised?
Because he stood up to discrimination immediately, followed the correct reporting process and showed maturity beyond his age.
