Leeds United’s recent battles with Burnley have often been feisty affairs and Saturday was no different, as Scott Parker’s men got the better of Daniel Farke’s side at Turf Moor.
The clash between last season’s two automatically promoted sides ended in a 2-0 win for Burnley. Lesley Ugochukwu put Burnley ahead with a free header from a Kyle Walker cross inside the first 20 minutes.
Another new Burnley signing, this time Loum Tchaouna, turned within 25 yards of Karl Darlow’s goal and bent a left-footed effort into the top corner. Leeds dominated but failed to convert any of their chances.
But after the match, reports emerged of Hannibal being central to controversy in a Leeds game once again. Previously, the former Man United midfielder was seen goading fans at Elland Road last season.
Hannibal applauds Burnley fans after win v Leeds.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Hannibal under investigation after Leeds fan reports spitting
It wasn’t even the Burnley midfielder’s first bit of controversy during the match. After a tackle on Gabriel Gudmundsson, Hannibal – completely unprovoked – decided to scream in the Sweden defender’s face.
Adam Pope reported after the match that a Leeds fan had reported Hannibal had been spitting at Leeds supporters. Pope claims an investigation is now underway which could lead to a lengthy ban for him.
“Leeds are aware of an allegation of spitting by a Burnley player believed to be Hannibal. The authorities are investigating after a complaint was made from a supporter in the Leeds United section at Turf Moor.”
At the time of writing, nothing has been reported or confirmed further than Pope’s post on X (formerly Twitter). It is expected that further news will come to light in the coming days after an investigation.
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Hannibal posts on Instagram after investigation reports surface
Despite the allegations and the newly-opened investigation into the Burnley player’s conduct during his side’s 2-0 win, of which Hannibal only entered the fray in the 83rd minute, Hannibal posted on Instagram.
He seemed completely unaffected by the incoming investigation and simply underlined his delight at helping Burnley secure all three points, in what was a big game between two sides fighting for survival.
Hannibal posted on Instagram: “Let’s go Clarets! Three points at Turf Moor, we keep pushing.”
The win sees Leeds remain on eight points, from eight games. Burnley meanwhile, have leaped from four points to seven and now sit in 17th position, jumping ahead of Nottingham Forest who lost to Chelsea.