IN our podcast, Melvin Armstrong, Marlon Darragh and Cody Deadman will be joined by former Crystal Palace academy player Seni Kalejaye. They will be discussing the awful racist allegation involving Burnley and Preston North End, in their goalless draw on the weekend.
During the match, an incident involving Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri and Preston’s Milutin Osmajic stormed the internet. Video footage can reveal Osmajic saying something to the former Manchester United midfielder behind his back, with Hannibal reacting immediately and furiously running over to the referee.
The Moroccan put out an Instagram post after the match, claiming he had been racially abused by the Preston forward: “I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it.
“That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch.”
Burnley came out with a club statement saying they were fully aware of the allegation, and would offer full support to the 22-year-old.
The Montenegro international has later denied these claims. In another statement, Preston said: “Milutin Osmajic has strongly refuted the claims of a comment made towards Hannibal Mejbri in a post-match meeting with today’s match officials.”
The football association confirmed an investigation into the allegations had begun, and must deicide whether or not they are to bring charges.
Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination organisation, said: “When allegations occur, reporting them immediately and through the right channels helps them be addressed. Hannibal deserves credit for bringing the incident to the referee’s attention. Speaking up takes huge courage. We also commend the officials for following the correct protocols. We expect an investigation to be carried out swiftly and sensitively.”
Osmajic was previously banned for eight matches for biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck. The 25-year-old admitted to the charge of violent conduct, and was also fined £15,000.
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