Tunisian international midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, currently a Burnley player, is under investigation following serious accusations during the match against Leeds United, played on October 18, 2025 at Turf Moor. According to several British media, including the Daily Mail, a supporter present in the visitors’ park claimed that the player spat in the direction of opposing fans, triggering an official procedure.
Lancashire Police confirmed they were “informed of an incident involving a Burnley player in the second half” and announced they were working with the club and the relevant authorities to verify the facts. At the same time, the Football Association (FA) is monitoring the case closely and could, if confirmed, trigger disciplinary proceedings.
No sanction has yet been imposed, but if the act is proven, Hannibal Mejbri faces a significant suspension, spitting being considered one of the most severely punished acts in the regulations of English football.
Burnley FC have not released any official statement at this stage. Witnesses say a gesture was seen near the touchline, but no clear video has yet been circulated to confirm or deny the incident. The player himself has not made any public statements.
This case comes a few weeks after another controversywhen Mejbri himself filed a complaint for racist insults alleged by an adversary. This time, it is he who finds himself at the heart of a controversy.