Hannibal Mejbri spitting allegation being investigated by police after Burnley's win over Leeds

An investigation has been opened into Mejbri after a supporter in the Leeds United end made a complaint after Saturday's match, as reported by BBC Sport's Adam Pope. The 22-year-old appeared as a substitute in the 83rd minute of the match, and both Leeds and Burnley are aware of the allegation made against Mejbri, according to The Athletic. The authorities are now investigating the incident, while the Football Association are also reviewing the matter.

Mejbri celebrated the win after the game with a post on Instagram that read: "Let’s go Clarets! Three points at Turf Moor, we keep pushing @burnleyofficial."

A statement 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 yesterday (October 18). We are currently working with Burnley Football Club to establish the facts.”

Mejbri has been involved in controversy against Leeds previously. He was seen making gestures and appearing to taunt Leeds fans in September 2024 as he walked around the pitch after being taken off in a 1-0 win for Burnley. Mejbri came through the ranks at Manchester United and joined Burnley on a five-year deal in the summer of 2024 after loan spells with Birmingham City and Sevilla.

Mejbri has been warned he could face a three-match ban if he is found guilty. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told Leeds United News: “The Football Association will interview players, fans and study available video before making any charges. If charged, Hannibal could receive a suspension which the Football Association will determine, and I think will be at least three matches.”

Burnley boss Scott Parker reflected on the win after the game and admitted it had been a tough encounter. He told Match of the Day: "I thought the performance was everything we planned. They are a hugely competitive team and we experienced that last year, we went toe to toe with Leeds throughout last year. I thought our performance was everything we needed to take three points.

"We've tried to be flexible in our structures and we have worked tirelessly to do that. We swapped to a back four today and tried to have more attackers on the pitch and first half we took our moments and got a good goal. Second half we had to suffer a little bit and again you go into reserves when you need to dig a bit deep to get the result and the second goal gave us some oxygen. I'm immensely proud of the team.

"We spent a long ten days during the international break highlighting times where we have fallen short on that [concentration]. One thing you can never point a finger at this team for, and I will never point the finger for this, is effort, desire, passion and commitment. These players give that every single week.

"We have probably lacked a bit of nous at times in certain moments but today that game was every bit of that. I don't care what coach is standing here, when there is 10-15 minutes to go in that game there isn't a plan. You can't influence it from the sidelines. You need your players to understand what's needed. You can bring the best structures and formations in the world, the facts are that you need players to go to places that you can't coach."

Mejbri now faces an anxious wait to discover if he faces a sanction as the investigations into the incident continue. In the meantime, Burnley are due to return to action in the Premier League on Saturday when they face Wolves at Molineux.