The Football Association has confirmed that Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been charged with misconduct following a controversial incident during his side’s Premier League clash with Leeds United at Turf Moor on Saturday, 18 October.
According to an FA statement released on Monday, Mejbri is alleged to have spat at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters in the 67th minute of the match, an act that constitutes a serious breach of football’s disciplinary code.
“Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri has been charged with misconduct following their Premier League fixture against Leeds United,” the FA confirmed. “It’s alleged that the midfielder acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or towards opposition supporters.”
The 21-year-old Tunisia international, who joined Burnley on loan from Manchester United, has until Friday, 28 November, to respond to the charge.
Burnley have acknowledged the FA’s announcement and are said to be cooperating fully with both the governing body and Lancashire Police, who are conducting a parallel investigation into the incident. Club officials have declined to make further comment while proceedings are ongoing.
The alleged act took place while Mejbri was among the substitutes, with footage circulating on social media appearing to show a confrontation between the player and away supporters seated behind the dugouts. Leeds fans reportedly alerted stewards immediately after the moment in question.
Spitting is regarded as one of the most serious offences under FA disciplinary rules and could lead to a multi-match suspension if the charge is proven. Previous cases of similar conduct have seen players handed bans ranging from four to six matches, depending on intent and evidence.
Mejbri, who has featured intermittently for Burnley this season, now faces an anxious wait as the FA’s disciplinary panel prepares to review the case in detail.
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