Burnley Players Protest Amid Racism Allegations Against Preston Forward

BURNLEY, England — Burnley football players notably refused to shake hands with Preston striker Milutin Osmajic before their FA Cup fifth-round match on Saturday. This incident stems from recent allegations of racial abuse made by Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri against Osmajic following a Championship meeting between the two teams on February 15.

As the players lined up for pre-match handshakes at Deepdale, every Burnley player declined to interact with Osmajic, who was positioned at the end of the handshake line. After attempting to greet a few of his opponents, Osmajic walked along the rest of the line without receiving any handshakes.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Osmajic scored in the first half and celebrated in front of the away fans, cupping his hands around his ears, which drew further attention to the tension between the clubs.

Burnley manager Scott Parker confirmed before the match that Mejbri was fit to play but chose to leave him out of the squad to shield him from the emotional intensity surrounding the situation. “It’s been a tough decision,” Parker stated in an interview before the match. “I need to protect Hannibal, and I felt it was the best decision for him.”

Parker clarified that while Mejbri could have played, he opted to keep him out of the high-pressure environment, especially after Mejbri’s prior experiences with Osmajic. “Hannibal was selectable today, but he’s a young boy who went through something here only a few weeks ago,” Parker explained.

The Football Association is investigating the allegations of racial abuse, and if found guilty, Osmajic could face a sanction of at least six matches. Meanwhile, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his stance on the situation, stating he had considered Osmajic’s position and believed in the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ “Yes, exactly — 100%,” Heckingbottom affirmed during a pre-match press conference.

This incident highlights ongoing discussions surrounding racism in football, as tensions mount and investigations continue. The growing scrutiny on player conduct and club responses will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping future interactions on and off the pitch.