Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri Charged by FA Over Alleged Spitting Incident at Leeds United Fans
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for misconduct after being accused of spitting toward Leeds United supporters during a recent Premier League match. The former Manchester United player has been given until November 28 to respond to the charge and could face suspension if found guilty.
Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri faces FA misconduct charges after allegedly spitting toward Leeds fans during a Premier League clash.
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Incident Under FA Investigation
The alleged incident occurred at Turf Moor when Hannibal was walking behind the goal to deliver a note to goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Reports claim he reacted to comments from nearby fans, leading to a complaint filed by a Leeds supporter with Lancashire Police. The FA reviewed the footage, launched an investigation, and subsequently charged the midfielder.
An FA spokesperson confirmed: “Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri has been charged with misconduct following their Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Saturday, October 18. It’s alleged that the player acted in breach of the Laws of the Game and/or behaved improperly and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or toward Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute.”
Past Feud With Leeds Fans
This incident adds to Hannibal’s tense relationship with Leeds supporters. During his Manchester United youth career, he was targeted with chants comparing his hairstyle to the Simpsons character “Sideshow Bob.” The hostility resurfaced after he joined Burnley in 2024, with the midfielder previously accused of taunting Leeds fans during a Championship fixture.
Potential Punishment and Precedents
A spitting offence in English football typically carries a six-match suspension. Previous high-profile cases include Jonny Evans, who received a six-game ban for spitting during a 2015 match, and Papiss Cissé, who was handed a seven-game suspension due to a prior offence. According to The Times, Hannibal’s case is being treated as a “non-standard” incident, suggesting a more complex disciplinary review that could lead to a varied outcome.
Next Steps for Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal has 17 days to respond to the FA charge. Accepting the charge and issuing an apology could help mitigate potential punishment. Contesting it would lead to a formal hearing where an independent regulatory commission would determine any sanctions if he is found guilty.
The Premier League is currently on international break, with Burnley scheduled to face Chelsea at Turf Moor on November 22. Hannibal has joined Tunisia’s national team for friendly matches against Mauritania, Jordan, and Brazil. Tunisia has already secured qualification for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, marking their third consecutive appearance.
Hannibal’s limited role this season could lessen the impact of any potential suspension. Aside from a stoppage-time assist against Wolves, he has made 10 league appearances totaling 290 minutes, with no starts since the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
