Hannibal in ‘good place’ after alleged racism incident

Following allegations of racist abuse against Preston forward Milutin Osmajic, according to Clarets manager Scott Parker, Hannibal Mejbri from Burnley is “in a good place now.”

The Tunisian reacted furiously to something that appeared to be said to him by Osmajic during Saturday’s goalless draw by putting in a number of minutes in the second half. Hannibal then addressed the referee Andrew Kitchen for a lengthy discussion.

Burnley said they were “aware of an alleged comment” and would offer their full support to the 22-year-old.

Preston claimed that accusations that Hannibal had been made in public were “strongly refuted” by Montenegro international Osmajic.

“He is all right, he is in a good place”, Parker told BBC Sport. Han and I were disappointed by the weekend, and we both remember that.

He has been trained extremely well over the past few days, and the process is ongoing. We will see what happens from there. “

The Football Association is looking into the incident, and Burnley’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has also reached out to offer its assistance.

We are bringing Hannibal into the picture and making sure he is in the right frame, Parker said.

The weekend incident’s association is unique to me, and it is a first for me. I’m careful to check on someone who is so young like Hannibal, even though it was likely a shock to him.

Heckingbottom said Osmajic, 25, was “upset” and “did not sleep” on Saturday, adding: “We have to show the incident the importance that it deserves and one thing I have been disappointed about is all the nonsense that has been put online and everywhere.

I’ve told everyone in the club not to get involved in it, and I’m not.

Following the conclusion of the game, Lancashire Police informed BBC Sport on Tuesday that they had received a report of racist behavior from the crowd.

They added in a statement:” Since the report, a number of enquiries have been conducted. No arrests have been made. “

On Saturday, March 1, Preston will face Burnley in the fifth round of the FA Cup, according to BBC Sport, who is aware that the FA’s investigation into the allegation is unlikely to be finished by that time.

When asked if he would consider dropping Hannibal from the game, Parker replied, “I don’t have any thoughts about it. I haven’t had any conversations with Hannibal.”

“I don’t see that happening, but it’s definitely something I’ll need to discuss with Hannibal more in the future.”

Parker also said “there may be some dialogue” with Preston closer to the time.

The maximum sentence for those found guilty of racist abuse will now be six matches.

In November, Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was given a seven-match domestic ban by the FA and fined £100, 000 for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min.