Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been charged with misconduct by the FA after allegedly spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters last month.
The matter relates to an incident that is claimed to have occurred during the second-half of [the Clarets’ 2-0 Premier League win over Daniel Farke's side](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-player-ratings-anton-32684110) at Turf Moor on October 18.
Mejbri came on in the 83rd minute and went on to be booked in added time after a strong challenge on Gabriel Gudmundsson, but following the game, [a number of accusations of spitting were made against the midfielder.](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/hannibal-mejbri-spitting-leeds-fans-32715554)
In a statement released on Sunday, October 19, Lancashire Police confirmed they were working with Burnley to "establish the facts".
The FA then confirmed the next day that they had been aware of the incident and were deciding on whether to launch a formal investigation, but they have now charged the 22-year-old with misconduct relating to the allegation.
“Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri has been charged with misconduct following their Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Saturday 18 October,” a spokesperson said on Tuesday (November 11).
“It’s alleged that the player acted in breach of the Laws of the Game and/or in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute. Hannibal Mejbri has until Friday 28 November to provide a response.”
Scott Parker’s side won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was issued with a five-match stadium ban last year after spitting on the floor as the match officials walked past following his club's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Fulham at the City Ground.
Back in 2003, El Hadji Diouf was found guilty of spitting at a Celtic supporter and subsequently charged with assault.
The former forward was fined £5,000 and banned for two European matches by UEFA after pleading guilty in a Scottish court.
And, earlier this year, Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez was given an additional three-game ban for spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member.