'We are currently working with Burnley Football Club to establish the facts'
Emma Butterworth and Connor O'Neill
11:01, 21 Oct 2025
The Football Association has joined Lancashire Police in looking into claims Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri spat at Leeds United supporters
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Mejbri made 13 appearances for Manchester United before joining Burnley in August 2024(Image: (Visionhaus/Getty Images))
The Football Association and Lancashire Police are looking into claims that Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri spat at Leeds United supporters during his side's 2-0 victory on Saturday (October 18).
Following accusations Mejbri, 22, spat at fans during the second half of the game at Turf Moor, the Manchester Evening News has reported that the FA are assessing the claims before deciding whether or not to launch a formal investigation.
Lancashire Police have also confirmed that they are working with Burnley in the meantime to "establish the facts."
A statement from the force 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 on Saturday 18th October. We are currently working with Burnley Football Club to establish the facts."
The Clarets are yet to comment on the matter, while Leeds are aware of the allegations. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said that if the Tunisia international is found to have spat at Leeds fans, then he will likely face a minimum suspension of three games.
Clattenburg told Leeds United News: "If charged, Hannibal could receive a suspension which the Football Association will determine, and I think will be at least three matches."
Last year, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was handed a five-match stadium ban for spitting on the floor as match officials walked past, after his club were defeated 1-0 by Fulham at the City Ground.
Other examples of banned players include El Hadji Diouf, who in 2003 was found guilty of spitting at a Celtic supporter and was subsequently charged with assault, resulting in a £5,000 fine and two-match European ban by UEFA.
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Earlier this year, Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez joined the list when he was given an additional three-game ban for spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member.
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